Catania 's Ursino Castle was built by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th century.
The manor had a certain visibility during the Sicilian Vespers, as the seat of parliament and, later, the residence of the Sovereigns of Sicily of the Aragonese dynasty including Frederick III. Today it is home to the Civic Museum of the city of Etna, consisting mainly of the Biscari and Benedictine collections.
