Italy off the beaten path: Donnafugata Castle
The Donnafugata Castle is a sumptuous noble residence located 15 kilometers from Ragusa . Donnafugata Castle The name of this castle probably derives from the Arabic "ayn as-jafaiat" which means source of health, referring to the presence of a source of pure water. Donnafugata Castle According to others, however, the title Donnafugata is linked to the legend of Bianca of Navarre, widow of the king of Sicily, that was imprisoned within the walls of the castle by the perfidious Bernardo Cabrera, lord of the County of Modica. The queen managed to escape through the tunnels, thus becoming the escaped woman (literally translated as 'donna fugata') for all. Donnafugata Castle Originally the fiefdom included a hunting estate, and an ancient Arab-Norman watchtower, but it was the baron of Donnafugata Corrado Arezzo de Spuches, who gave the structure its present appearance: a unique mix of sumptuous halls, elegant bedrooms and playful and original architectural details. Donna...