Castello di Brucoli is in the coastal village of Brucoli in Sicily. Commissioned by King John II of Aragon as a gift for Queen Juana Enriquez, the fortress was constructed in 1468 under the supervision of Giovanni Cabastida, a loyal chamberlain from Barcelona. Strategically positioned at the entrance of the port channel, the castle served both defensive purposes—guarding against Turkish and Barbary pirate incursions—and economic ones, overseeing maritime trade and safeguarding grain reserves. An intriguing aspect of the castle is its proximity to the Brucoli Lighthouse, established in 1911. This lighthouse, affectionately known as “Faro dell’Antico Castello Regina Giovanna,” was transformed into a luxury resort in 2017, allowing guests to experience the blend of historical ambiance and modern comfort. Our dear friend junhothepenguin took a penguin stone on one of his adventures and left one close to the castle. Look for a rock formation and the stone is chillin’ there.
Last known location – 37.2848320, 15.1864350
