Built on the slopes of Monte Inici, it gives its name to the homonymous gulf which is bordered on one side by Capo Roma and on the other by Capo San Vito. Rich in tourism, viticulture and fishing, today it is one of the most important seaside resorts in Sicily and one of the most wonderful seaside villages in Italy. Within its territory it contains natural beauties without equal, such as the stacks of Scopello, the bay of Guidaloca, Terme Segestane and on the easternmost area the Zingaro nature reserve.
Of particular note are the traditional celebrations in honor of the patron saint, which take place every year from 19 to 21 August. The history of Castellammare is a very ancient one however, in fact it was born as Emporium Segestanorum, or "Port of nearby Segesta".
The terminology Empòrion was in fact used, in the ancient Mediterranean, to designate a seaside location for the unloading, sale and storage of goods.
It is said that the emporium already existed from the beginning of the 5th century, the existence of the latter is inferred from the writings of Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus and Thucydides but there is further confirmation from the geography of Strabone and Ptolemy. The Arabs took over the Elymians, they built the first nucleus of the "Castello a mare", contributed to the development of the town from all points of view.
But that emporium became Castellammare upon the arrival of the Normans who in fact called it "Castrum ad mare de Gulfo".
However Castellammare up to 1500 maintains its only commercial role. Only after a long time will it also begin to develop as a city.
Among all the beauties built by the various dominations, in addition to the Castello a Mare, built first by the Arabs and later fortified by the Normans, the Saracen watchtowers along the coast stand out. A complex of 4 towers, that of the Guida Loca bay, that of Bennista, the Scopello tower and the Doria tower. Today one of the most popular tourist destinations and paradise on earth, it offers a harmonious mix of mixed architecture and breathtaking natural beauty.
Visit the characteristic village of Castellammare del Golfo with the San Vito lo Capo Day Tour or Castellammare Day Tour.
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