The Castle of the Nelsons was once the Benedictine abbey, Abbazia di Maniace. It can be found just outside Bronte and is situated on the field of the famous battle where the troops of the Greek General Maniakes drove Saracens from Sicily. The castle was damaged in a 12th Century earthquake and rebuilt. After being in the possession of Benedictine and Basilian Friars, it passed to Admiral Nelson. It has a lovely park and an Arab-Norman church, dedicated to S. Maria di Maniace, containing many interesting pieces, including a precious 13th Century polyptych.
