Are you in Cefalù and looking for a place that can bring you back in time—among hidden frescoes, ancient walls, and silences rich with history? Don’t miss Castello Bordonaro, one of Sicily’s most fascinating and lesser-known treasures.

Nestled in the peaceful Contrada Settefrati, just steps from the beautiful Mazzaforno beach, Castello Ortolani di Bordonaro is a rare example of 16th-century noble architecture. Built on the initiative of Antonino La Duca, a canon of Palermo Cathedral, this historic building has witnessed centuries of transformation, passing from one aristocratic family to another until 1992, when Gabriele Ortolani, Baron of Bordonaro, donated it to the Municipality of Cefalù with a clear vision: to turn it into a place dedicated to culture, art, and historical memory.

Castello Bordonaro Cefalù: Where History Meets Beauty

Today, Castello Bordonaro opens its doors during cultural events ranging from open-air theater performances to concerts, book presentations, and free exhibitions. Its interiors, open to visitors on these occasions, are truly enchanting: frescoed rooms with painted cycles depicting Garibaldian episodes or evoking Oriental atmospheres, a private loggia overlooking the Church of Santa Felicita, and unique glimpses of the sea that offer breathtaking views.

Recognized among the FAI’s “Places of the Heart”, the castle is now a symbol of Sicilian identity—resilient, proud, and deeply rooted in its history. While it does not have regular visiting hours, it can be explored during public events organized by the municipality. You can easily reach it by car or public transport: just follow the signs to Contrada Settefrati or take one of the buses departing from the train station or main town stops.

To find out when and how you can visit this hidden gem, we recommend checking the official website of the Municipality of Cefalù.