Location
This busy agricultural and industrial town lies close to the north coast at the foot of the 826m/2,710ft high Monte Bonifato, on the summit of which the first town was founded in 828 by the Arab prince Al Kamk, from whom Álcamo gets its name. In 1233 Álcamo was moved by
Frederick II to its present location. It was the birthplace of the poet Ciullo, who was active at Frederick II's court and supported the king in his ambition to make the Italian language of that time into a language of literature. The verse poem "Rosa fresca aulentissima" is thought to be his work.
Other things worth seeing in Álcamo are: San Francesco (sculptures by Antonello and Giacomo Gagini, 16th century); the Benedictine Church of Badia Nuova with a cycle of eight statues by Giacomo Serpotta (1724), San Tommaso (with a doorway from an older Gothic church), Santa Cosma e Damiano (1721, designed by G. Mariano), and Badia Grande with works by A. Gagini and pictures by Novelli. The Casa de Ballis, a nobleman's house, dates from the 15th century.
Fortress
The medieval fortress dating from the 14th century is used as a prison.
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