Alcamo

Alcamo, Sicily, Italy

Alcamo is the second largest city in the province of Trapani, situated in north-western Sicily, on a crest below Mount Bonifato, in the hinterland of the Castellamare Gulf.

It was founded in 828 by the Muslim commander al-Kamuk (after whom it is named). Though its name goes back to the time of the Arab occupation, the medieval center rose later in the 14th century; it was the hometown of the earliest poet in the Italian language, Cielo d'Alcamo.

Info

Altitude: 256 m a.s.l -- Population: ca. 42,000 inhabitants -- Zip/postal code: 91011 -- Phone Area Code: 0924 -- Frazioni & Località: Alcamo Marina

What to see

Church of San Francesco, of the 17th century, hosting two statues of St Mark and Mary Magdalene, made in 1520 by Antonello Gagini
Church of San Tommaso, built in the 15th century, with a fine Gothic portal
Church of Sant'Oliva, built in 1723 on a previous church, hosting beautiful works of art such as frescoes by Gugliemo Borremans dated 1737 in the dome and apse.
The Castle of the Modica Counts, built in the 14th century with towers at the corner.

Events

Palm Sunday, holy representation of the Passion along the alleys of the medieval center.