Later we were heading towards ex Caserma della Guardia di Finanza (Customs house), but on our way we stopped at Castelo Chiaramontano.
Castello Chiaramontano
The Chiaramonte Castle of Palma di Montechiaro is the only one built on a rocky ridge overlooking the sea. After various passages, it came in the seventeenth century to the Tomasi family, a member of which, Carlo Tomasi Caro, received the title of Duke of Palma from King Philip IV. Inside the chapel there is a statue of the Madonna which Caputo attributes to Antonello Gagini.
The castle has been through a long period of decay and only recently underwent restoration work. A legend speaks of a statue of the Madonna stolen by the nearby inhabitants of Agrigento, and brought back by the Palmese to the castle after a long and furious struggle. This is corroborated by the name given to a stream which since then has been referred to as the “battle valley”.
If you walk down the path from the castle, you will be able to see amazing view of Baia delle Sirene.
Customs house – ex Caserma della Guardia di Finanza in Punta Bianca Beach
I really wanted to visit the landmark of ex Caserma della Guardia di Finanza (abandoned Customs House) as it stands on a white sedimentary rock consisting of clay and lime. However, the swimming is forbidden there according to one of signs, so check before you do.
The partially dilapidated barracks of the Guardia di Finanza or Customs House were used until the beginning of the 20th century. These structures, now largely abandoned, can be found along the Sicilian coast in remote places, away from ports and towns. The barracks served to house the financiers who had the task of combatting smugglers. On the outside, near the wall, one can still make out the heraldic motto of the Guardia di Finanza Corps. Despite its state of disrepair and needing consolidation work, the customs officers’ house still emanates a mysterious charm, reminiscent of the verses of Eugenio Montale. [1]
The road was quickly deteriorating into a stony path, which with our Panda seemed barely managable.
When we saw what steep hill is ahead we decided to park and hike. I believe if you wish to go closer with your car you must have a 4×4 jeep.
The path down was quite slippery on the limestone. I’ve slipped accidentally and just went down on my bum.
We were lucky as we were the only visitors there at that time, so the pictures without any people!
So we’ve seen Villa Romana del Casale, the abandoned Customs House (ex Caserma della Guardia di Finanza) and now we were heading to Agrinento to the Valley of Temples!