GIAK Travel - Bronte, Italy (Sicily)

Bronte, Sicily

Known for it's pistachio production, Bronte lies on the western slope of Mt. Etna.

The famous Lord Nelson once saved the King of Italy during a peasant revolt by bringing him to Palermo from Naples, and as a reward, the King created the Duchy of Bronte, which he thusly awarded to Lord Nelson.

With the duchy, Lord Nelson received a annual sum of 3,000 English pounds (a tremendous sum for the 19th. Century), and the Castello Nelson. Sadly enough, Lord Nelson never stepped foot here.

The Castello Nelson is really more of a manor than a castle, occupying and enviable spot along a flowing river among the pistachio groves. It has beautiful grounds, and a recent addition is a nice family park located along the old road, and in one part of the Castello, there are excavations that show parts of the large original church.

There is now a guided tour and fee for entrance to the Castello.

Back gardens of the Castello Nelson (April 1999)

Castello Nelson (April 1999)

Another garden shot of Castello Nelson (Mar 1999)