ALCAMO

Alcamo lies at the foot of the Bonifato Mount. It began life during the Arab domination and named Manzil Alquamah, in an area enclosed by the Monte Bonifato and Catalubo castles.

Some 1300’s traits are still discernible in the earliest part of the town, with, at the top, outstanding attractions from that period: the Castello, the Piazza del Mercato, the Chiesa Madre and the Convento dei Francescani.

The architectonic design has evolved throughout time, notably following the coming of the various religious orders in town. A period of economic and demographic growth – that was to last for at least two centuries – was recorded in the 15^th century following the construction of a harbour area.

Today, the agriculture, notably viticulture, is still a major resource; commercial and industrial activities – such as the marble industry –, craft – marble, wooden, iron working and embroidery – have also remarkably developed.

The city has many attractive religious building: the Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola, the 1600’s Church of SS. Paul and Bartholomew, with its fine stuccoes and frescoes, the 1700’s S. Oliva, this also with stuccoes, frescoes and fine statues, the Rosario or San Domenico, the 1600’s del Collegio, S. Maria del Gesù, San Tommaso, S. Cosma, San Damiamo, the baroque Santissimo Salvatore and the Santuario della Madonna dei Miracoli.

Finally, is the most lovely of all, the Chiesa Madre, dating from the 1300s but undergoing changes and restructurations in the following epochs. Inside, are fine frescoes by Borremans and Bagolini; paintings dedicated to St. Philip and St. Carlo Borromeo, and another dedicated to the Fourteen Saints.

The Castello dei Conti di Modica, built in the 14^th century, is the most important secular building in town.

The seaside hamlet of Alcamo Marina with its splendid sand beach stands only few kilometres away.