At Nelson Castle

A Sunday in June, when the heat isn't too stifling yet, is ideal for spending half a day at Nelson Castle and enjoying some good traditional cooking at the Agriturismo Nelson. To reach the castle area, which is a little outside Bronte, you can take the A18 CT-ME motorway, exiting at Fiumefreddo and continuing towards Linguaglossa, Randazzo and, without reaching Bronte, continuing on the SS 120 towards Maniace-Cesarò (about 50 kilometres of winding, scenic road from the motorway toll booth).

Historical notes The complex known as the Ducea Nelson is about 13 kilometres from Bronte, set on flat valley-floor land on the left bank of the Saraceno stream. It comprises the noble wing, once the residence of the Nelsons (improperly called the Castle), now turned into a Museum, the remains of the ancient Benedictine abbey dedicated to Maria Santissima, commissioned by William II the Good, the little church of Santa Maria di Maniace and a large, lush park. It arose around 1173, probably on the ruins of a pre-existing Basilian building, at the behest of Queen Margaret, to keep alive the memory of the battle won by George Maniakes against the Saracens.

Inside the Castle you can visit the ducal apartments, the church of Santa Maria di Maniace with its Norman-Gothic portal and its paintings, the remains of the abbey, the photographic museum of lava stone, the English garden, and the large park with an equipped playground and modern sculptures in lava stone, every day of the week except Monday, unless it's a public holiday.

Once we'd finished the first part of the visit to the large, airy park, full of greenery and shady spots, we enjoyed an excellent lunch at the Agriturismo Nelson, right in front of the Castle. The farm stay has cosy chalets and spaces for relaxing walks and observing some friendly animals.

Info: Agriturismo Nelson Strada Piano Pilato opposite Nelson Castle - 95034 Maniace - Bronte (CT) Tel. 095/690734 - Mobile 320/9629558 Email: info@nelsonagriturismo.it Website:

On the way back, after visiting the Castle rooms in the afternoon, we took home little jars of pistachio pesto and pistachio cream; pistachio is, in fact, one of the area's typical products.

A relaxing Sunday. True, the journey to get there (from Messina) was long, but in the end it was truly worth it.