The town - Salemi
Salemi rises on a 442 mt high hill in a very fruitful area, where it is grown vineyards for the most part.
The history - In this zone it might be situated the ancient Elimi town of Alicia, recalled by sources but lacking of finds that proves its existence. Midway between Selinunte and Segesta, forever in contrast, it could only side with one or with the other and, in virtue of a common Elimi origin, chose the last one.
The present name is of Arab origin and means “a healthy and safe town”. During the centuries, Salemi was lucky to remain, even if with alternate events, a free and independent town in spite of the many dominations that made the history of Sicily. In Norman age, it became a State town, seat of the court of the king, and was built the stately Castle that still today dominates the town. In 1860 Garibaldi arrived also here and nominated it, symbolically, first capital of Italy.
In 1968 it suffered great damages, because of the earthquake that upset the Belice Valley. In that occasion, also the Chiesa Madre (Mother Church), located in the neighbourhood of the castle, was destroyed.
To be seen - Worthy of a particular mark are the Chiesa and the Collegio dei Gesuiti (The Church and the College of Jesuits): the first has a reach Baroque face and the second lodges a museum where the works of art, saved from the earthquake, are preserved, included the Madonna della Candelora (Madonna of Candlemas) by Domenico Gagini. Going down on the street to the castle, you arrive to the quartiere Rabato (Rabato quarter), interesting for having been maintaining its Islamic taste. Museum
From Tuesday to Friday 10.00 - 13.00 and 16.00 - 18.00
Saturday 9.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 19.00
Closed: Sunday and Monday Free entrance
|
