Castello degli Schiavi

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Literally meaning "the castle of the slaves", according to legend, the Castello degli Schiavi was built in the 18th century by a doctor from Palermo who was captured by raiding Turks shortly after it was completed. Fortunately, just before the raiders could set back out to sea, a group of locals attacked them on the beach and freed the castle's owners. As thanks, they built a small chapel with two statues of Moorish captives still waiting to be freed in the loggia. In a land rife with villas and castles, the Castello degli Schiavi stands out for its role in 20th century pop-culture, having appeared in a number of movies including the Godfather I and II. Still privately owned by the Baron Platania, in order to see the ornate architecture and richly decorated interior (which has some mementos from the Godfather filming), you must schedule your visit in advance.