The ancient Sicilian town of Alcamo can trace its roots back to 828AD, with its very name betraying the diverse ethnic and cultural roots that have formed Sicily. The Moslem commander al-Kamuk gave his name to Alcamo, on Sicily's western coast, after which invasions and counter invasions came thick and fast, with the Normans and Naples among those colonising the town. Alcamo also suffered terribly from plagues during the 14th and 16th century, and was decimated by cholera in 1829. The Alcamesi fought a major role in Garibaldi's war for Italian Unification in the late 1800s.
There are a number of interesting sights in the town, among them the 14th century Castle of the Counts of Modica, and the 18th century Cathedral. This latter has important paintings by Giuseppe Serpotta and Giacomo Gagini, and frescoes by Guglielmo Borremans. Just as interesting to visitors to this Trapani province of Sicily is the surrounding countryside. Western Sicily is quite lovely and nearby visits include the little mountain city of Gibellina (razed by an earthquake in 1968 and now a ghost town) and the ancient temple of Segesta. There is the lovely fishing town of Scopello, 20km from Alcamo, and the very pretty Castellamare del Golfo. Known in Sicilian as 'Casteddammari' it has a medieval fortress guarding the harbour.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Alcamo hotels.
