Gulf of Castellammare

<< Sicily

The Gulf of Castellammare is a large bay in northwestern Sicily, located between Palermo and Trapani. This area is known for its seaside resorts and houses various historic attractions along the coast, as well as more interesting destinations in the nearby interior, such as the ruins of Segesta.

Castellammare del Golfo

Castellammare del Golfo is a town located on the coast at the center of the Gulf of Castellammare, and gives its name to the entire bay. The city was founded in ancient times as a small port, and during the Middle Ages it became an important strongholds of the Arabs and then the Normans. Now the town is one of the main centers in the area, and a famous tourist destination.

Arab-Norman Castle

The Arab-Norman Castle is a medieval fortification located on the port of Castellammare del Golfo. The castle was built by the Arabs around the 10th century, and was later expanded by the Normans. Later, it was used by various local rulers and expanded again, and now it serves as a museum, hosting various exhibitions on local history and culture.

Church of Maria Santissima del Soccorso

The Church of Maria Santissima del Soccorso is the main church of Castellammare del Golfo. Originally built in Baroque style during the 17th century, it was later reworked a few times. Inside, it houses various historic artworks, including a statue of the Madonna del Soccorso dating from 1599.

Faraglioni of Scopello

Scopello is a tiny seaside resort located on the coast west of Castellammare del Golfo. This is a popular summer destination, and it is best known for its Faraglioni, a series of rock formations on the sea. The site is also famous for its clear waters and for the Tonnara di Scopello, a historic fishing complex dating from the Late Middle Ages.

Alcamo

Alcamo is a city located southeast of Castellammare del Golfo, not far from the coast of the Gulf of Castellammare. Inhabited since ancient times, the town developed in the Late Middle Ages, and later became one of the main centers in the area. Still one of the most populous cities of the Province of Trapani, Alcamo now features a few historic attractions.

Castle of the Counts of Modica

The Castle of the Counts of Modica (Castello dei Conti di Modica) is a medieval fortress in the center of Alcamo. The castle was built in the 14th century, and served for centuries as the residence of the local lords. After a period as a prison, the castle now serves as a museum, and houses exhibitions on local culture and art. The fortress is very well preserved and features some imposing towers.

Museum of Contemporary Art of Alcamo

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Alcamo (Museo d’Arte Contemporanea di Alcamo) is an art museum in Alcamo. The museum is mostly dedicated to contemporary art, hosting several artworks by Italian artists of the 20th and 21st century. However, the museum also houses a collection of archaeological findings unearthed around the town.

Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta

The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is the main church of Alcamo, erected in the 14th century. Originally built in Catalan Gothic style, the church was later reworked and enlarged. Inside, the church houses numerous artworks, and it is adorned with many frescoes and decorations. Next to the basilica is a museum of religious art.

Calatafimi Segesta

Calatafimi Segesta is a small town located among the hills near the Gulf of Castellammare. This was the site of the ancient city of Segesta, which was abandoned in the Middle Ages. Calatafimi developed around this time as one of the main Arab cities in Sicily, but was later taken by the Normans. The town remained an important local center, and in 1860 it was the site of a battle that saw the army of Garibaldi defeat the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, a pivotal moment in the wars of Italian unification. Now known as Calatafimi Segesta, the town is mostly famous for its ancient ruins.

✪ Archaeological Park of Segesta

The Archaeological Park of Segesta (Parco Archeologico di Segesta) houses the ruins of the ancient city of Segesta. This town was one of the major centers of the Elymians, one of the three indigenous peoples of Sicily. The city flourished for centuries, and was contested between the Elymians, the Greeks, and the Carthaginians, but in the end it was taken by the Romans. Segesta was abandoned in the Middle Ages, after being ravaged by the Vandals and then the Saracens. The ruins of the ancient city now include a well preserved temple built in the 5th century BCE, as well as a large theater and several other structures.

San Vito Lo Capo

San Vito Lo Capo is a seaside town located at the end of a promontory that marks the western end of the Gulf of Castellammare. While this area has been inhabited since ancient times, the modern town was only founded in the 18th century around a sanctuary, and now it is a popular tourist destination.

Sanctuary of San Vito

The Sanctuary of San Vito (Santuario di San Vito) is a historic religious site located at the center of San Vito Lo Capo, and the main church of the town. The sanctuary has its origins in a series of religious structures which were built around the 4th or 5th century, and were later expanded. The modern structure was erected around the 14th century, and developed as a popular site of pilgrimage. Over time, the church was adorned with various artworks, including numerous statues and Baroque decorations, while the town of San Vito Lo Capo developed around it.

Beach of San Vito Lo Capo

San Vito Lo Capo is best known for hosting what is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Sicily. The beach of San Vito Lo Capo extends for kilometers along a small bay, and features splendid golden sand and gorgeous clear waters. Because of this, San Vito Lo Capo is now among the most famous summer resorts in Sicily.