The castle is constructed on a crag considered to be impregnable which appears to have resisted any human intervention. On entering through the single gateway that consents access to the village, one immediately takes note of the stupendous evidence of culture and civilization, from the square with its Romanesque Parish Church to the Duomo and the fortress where Cagliostro was imprisoned.
Giuseppe Balsamo, called Count Cagliostro, was born in Palermo in 1743 and lived by his wits during his youth. During his life he became an important figure in Masonic circles.
The mystery that surrounds the many activities by Cagliostro helps to keep alive the interest on him.
His fame as an alchemist and healer reached the most important courts in Europe, from London to St. Petersburg, where he became friends with important personalities such as Schiller and Goethe. At the court of Versailles, he met the powerful Cardinal de Rohan, who involved him into the mysterious affaire du collier, a plot to defame the Queen Marie Antoinette and that opened the way for the French Revolution.
He openly challenged the Curch by founding a Lodge dedicated to Egyptian Rites and assuming the title of "Gran Cofto d’Egitto".
But the Inquisition arrested him 27th December 1789 and sentenced him to death. Pope Pius VI gave him the grace and the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in the fortress of San Leo. Here he was confined in a cell without doors into which he was lowered through a trapdoor in the ceiling.
26th August 1795, the famous adventurer, died in the fortress due to a stroke.



Openingtime of the Museums:

Musei della Fortezza and Museo d'arte Sacra: every day from 9 am to 7 pm .

Museo della Città (City Museum): every day from 9.30 am to12.30 pm and from 3.30 pm to 6 pm


For information on exhibitions and museums or booking of guided tours please contact: 
Tourist Office IAT, open every day: 9 am - 7 pm
tel. +39 0541/916306 - 926967
info@sanleo2000.it


Events (see the link with a clic)