A small, square construction with a square tower at each corner, the Fort of Vittoria was built by Frederick of Swabia in the second half of the 14th cent. Over the centuries, and particularly under the Spanish domination in the 16th cent., a number of structural modifications were made. By order of Don Garzia de Toledo, Viceroy of Sicily, four defensive bastions were constructed, named respectively San Filippo, San Giacomo, San Bartolomeo, and Vigliena, in order to provide the town with adequate protection. Today the fortification has every appearance of a military barracks - and indeed until 1950 it was used by the Italian Navy.

Details of the Fort of Vittoria (Augusta)

(click on the photos to enlarge)