Salemi Attractions
Location
This little town in western Sicily, 38km/23.5mi east of Marsala, suffered very badly in the 1968 earthquake. It lies on what was probably the site of the Elymian town of Halyciae. In the Middle Ages Roger I erected a castle which was extended by Frederick II. More recently it became known through Garibaldi, who declared himself dictator of Sicily here on 14th May 1860, three days after landing in Marsala.
This little town in western Sicily, 38km/23.5mi east of Marsala, suffered very badly in the 1968 earthquake. It lies on what was probably the site of the Elymian town of Halyciae. In the Middle Ages Roger I erected a castle which was extended by Frederick II. More recently it became known through Garibaldi, who declared himself dictator of Sicily here on 14th May 1860, three days after landing in Marsala.
Castle Museum
The castle in Salemi displays three impressive towers and inside has rooms with Gothic vaulted ceilings. It now houses the Museo del Risorgimento, with memorabilia of Garibaldi's time.
San Michele
The church of San Michele Arcangelo in Salemi is a fourth-fifth century Early Christian basilica with Byzantine mosaics and Greek inscriptions. It has a font dating from 1464 as well as a marble statue of Francesco Laurana.
