The sentiment of military and conquest is centered around the Arab-Norman castle overlooking the bay. This castle has served as a military stronghold throughout Castellammare’s history, being built by the Arabs in the 10th century on the foundations of earlier fortifications and then later expanded by the Normans. It was under the Swabians in the late 12th century that this castle was turned into a formidable fortress, surrounded by defensive walls and enhanced with tall towers. As many other castles on the island, the Castello Arabo Normanno of Castellammare speaks to the islands evolving military and political powers throughout the classical and middle ages. 

The sentiment of military power and conquest is embodied by the Arab-Norman castle that overlooks the bay. Built by the Arabs in the 10th century on earlier fortifications, the castle has served as a key military stronghold throughout Castellammare’s history. It was later expanded by the Normans into a formidable fortress complete with defensive walls and tall towers. Like many castles on the island, the Castello Arabo-Normanno of Castellammare reflects the island’s shifting military and political powers from the classical era through the Middle Ages.