La Cuba Palace

This 12th-century castle was once surrounded by an artificial lake one and a half metres deep, where the king used to relax. Today, it is a sandstone cube adorned with geometric patterns that speaks to the luxury and refinement of the Norman court, a place of absolute tranquillity.

Boccaccio chose this very castle as the setting for one of his stories in *The Decameron*. If you look closely at the walls, you’ll still find traces of ancient Arabic inscriptions celebrating the beauty of the place. It’s located within a military zone, so be sure to check the opening hours carefully before you go – it’s a well-kept secret.