The patroness of Castiglione di Sicilia is Our Lady of the Chain (Maria Santissima della Catena), celebrated on the first Sunday of May. The basilica of San Giacomo and Maria Santissima della Catena, dedicated to her together with the apostle James, was raised to the rank of minor basilica in October 1985 by Pope John Paul II.
On the hill overlooking the town stands the castle of Ruggiero di Lauria: in 1233 Frederick II stayed there as a summer residence and proclaimed Castiglione «Città Animosa» (spirited city); passed during the Sicilian Vespers of 1282 to admiral Ruggero di Lauria, it was besieged in 1297 by Frederick III of Aragon, who entered in triumph after the defenders surrendered.
