Alcamo Attractions
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.
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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Piazza Ciullo
The Piazza Ciullo d'Álcamo in the middle of Álcamo is named after the poet. The Church of Sant'Oliva, which was built in the 18th century by Giovan Sant'Oliva Biagio Amico, is situated here. Inside the church the statue of Saint Oliva is the work of Antonello Gagini (1511), the marble group depicting the Annunciation is also from the house of Gagini (1545). The altarpiece was painted in 1642 by Pietro Novelli.
Alcamo Surroundings
Gola dell'Alcántara
The Gola dell'Alcántara, an evocatively romantic gorge with fantastic rock shapes, in places 50m/165ft deep and only 5m/16ft wide, is to be found to the southeast of Francavilla near the SS 185. Formerly there was a steep path down to the gorge; now the descent to the river, which can be waded across in spring and summer, is made by lift.
Monte Bonifato
From the 826m/2,710ft high Monte Bonifato (ascent 2 hours) there is a wonderful view of northwestern Sicily.
