Alcamo Sicily

Ciullo d'Alcamo and the Bianco d'Alcamo, the first a much revered 13th century poet, famous for his verse "Rosa fresca e aulentissima", the second a prestigious white wine. The names of both indicate their origins in the town of Alcamo.

The town, lying on the coast of Trapani at the feet of Mount Bonifato, was founded by the Arabs in the 11th century, chosen for its strategic position half way between Trapani and Palermo. During the medieval period, Alcamo was divided in four districts: San Vito, San Leonardo, Sant'Ippolito and San Nicolò.

Three of Alcamo's most important works of architecture date back to the 14th century when the Norman's built the Conti di Modica Castle, the Piazza del Mercato, and the Franciscan Convent here. Alcamo is home to a great number of churches including the Church built in honour of Saint Francesco of Paola, the 17th century Church of Saints Paolo and Bartolomeo, and the 18th century Church of Sant'Oliva, to name but a few of the town's many houses of worship.

Forming a natural extension of the town, Alcamo Marina is famous for its remarkably long beach which faces out over the Gulf of Castellammare. A few kilometers further on, lies the Bosco d'Alcamo Nature Reserve, Sicily's smallest protected area.