Norman fortress on the sea of Calabria
The Castello di Fiuzzi, also known as the Praia a Mare Castle, was built between the 12th and 13th centuries as a military structure, thanks to its strategic position. It stands on a small hill facing the ′Isola di Dino,′ overlooking a vast stretch of sea and coastline.
The fortress was commissioned by the King of Naples to defend the coast from Saracen and Aragonese incursions. At the end of the 16th century, Bishop Matteo Cosentini d′Aieta, the local feudal lord, used it as a summer residence. In the 18th century, the fiefdom was sold to other noble families. In the early 1950s, a direct descendant of the Cosentini d′Aieta family repurchased the castle and decided to restore it to its former glory through an elegant conservative restoration. The original coat of arms of the Cosentini d′Aieta marquises can still be seen on the entrance portal.
The structure has a rectangular layout with two cylindrical towers connected by wide walls, partially original, adorned with Arab-style battlements. Inside, the architecture features white cement floors, whitewashed walls, and vaulted ceilings, with minimal furniture and decorative elements. During the 1950s renovation, six bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom, were created from the original structure. Outside, in the garden, there is a small chapel that still hosts ceremonies and religious functions today.
The building is surrounded by over one hectare of typical Mediterranean vegetation and tall cypress trees.
