Caccamo and its Castle - the largest in Sicily!
The impressive 12th-century castle is the largest castle in Sicily. It was one of the major Norman strongholds on the island (and never captured). It remained the residence of the dukes of Caccamo until the 20th century.
Here in 1160, Matthew Bonellus organised a revolt of the barons against William I (called William "the Bad").
Caccamo
Caccamo is located about 45 kilometers southeast of Palermo. It is located in the Belice Valley and is known for its castle, and is a popular tourist attraction. The town has a population of around 8,000 people.
The 12th century Norman Castle in Caccamo. Here the leader of the barons Matthew Bonellus organized a revolt against William I (also known as William the bad).
Prison cell in the Caccamo castle.
Plaque with the Trinacria symbol and a horse head.
Opening hours (Orario di visita) at the Caccamo Castle.
All photos: Per-Erik Skramstad
Drawings on the wall made by prisoners in one of the prison cells at Caccamo castle. For more elaborate drawings made by prisoners, see photos from the Museum of the Holy Inquisition in Palermo.
Drawing (or rather scratching) on the wall made by prisoners in one of the prison cells at Caccamo castle.
Frescoes (16th century) in Caccamo castle.
Frescoes dated to the 16th century.
A chapel with a trapdoor to eliminate unwanted guests. The victim would fall 30 meters and land of swords.
Caccamo castle.
The beautiful view from Caccamo towards Lago Rosamarina.
Piazza Duomo, a very strange place with nice view over the valley. The cathedral has a 17th century facade but was founded already in 1090. To the right of the campanile, steps lead up to streets with good views of the castle. Next to the steps is a dramatic part of the mountain (not particularly visible from this angle) the house above is built upon.
Part of the Piazza Duomo in Caccamo. The red church is Oratorio del Santissimo Sacramento.
Chiesa dell'Anime del Purgatorio (Church of the Souls of Purgatory), Caccamo.
Chiesa dell'Anime del Purgatorio (Detail of the entrance), Caccamo.
Pigeons in Caccamo.
Oratorio del Santissimo Sacramento, Caccamo.
Ospedale Civico, Caccamo.
Sources
- Information at the Castle
- Blue Guide Sicily
- Wikipedia
Parking in Sicily
The tips below are just suggestions. Many find it better to have a specific place to go to, but if you're comfortable with driving around and just see where you end up, please do. You may find better parking than these recommendations, or you may get trapped in a one-way labyrith. If you really want to prepare for your arrival in a Sicilian town, we found it very helpful to use Google Maps and choose Street View.
- Agrigento: There are several parking lots close to the Valley of the Temples.
- Bagheria: Very close to Villa Palagonia, you'll probably find parking. Start looking at Via Don Luigi Sturzo, 7
- Caccamo: Parking in the street when you arrive, just before the castle. Or in the Piazza Duomo.
- Castelbuono: Parking near the castle is the most obvious choice but it can be full.
- Castelmola: In Via Cuculunazzo there is a small parking garage. It is not possible to park in the village itself.
- Catania: There is a large (and cheap) parking lot in front of Hotel Mercure Catania Excelsior, Piazza Giovanni Verga 39
- Cefalù: The street along the beach (Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina) has lots of parking spaces, but you'll have to pay. There's also parking near the railway station. If you really want to park for free, and you don't mind walking for 10-15 minutes, you could try the cemetary.
- Gibilmanna: Usually no problems parking near the church.
- Linguaglossa: Park in the street near the 18th century Church Chiesa Madre.
- Modica: We found lots of parking spaces in Viale Medaglie D'Oro, but you'll (probably) have to pay at a nearby bar(!). We paid, but no one else seemed to bother …
- Monreale: Make it easy and use the parking garage in Via Palermo 102. 150 m to the cathedral. You can even stay here and take a taxi down to Palermo centre if you want to choose the easiest solution.
- Noto: If you don't mind walking 5-7 minutes, we recommend going for the free parking in Via Napoli as you approach the centre. Look for parking after you have passes the petrol station on the right. Close to the city gate, you can park (and pay) in Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Unemployed, criminal looking men may want to protect the car for you.
- Palermo: Avoid car if you can. It is easier to park during the riposo (siesta). See under Monreale.
- Ragusa superiore: Parking opposite the Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo Palace (aka Mediterraneo Palace) in Via Roma 185 (Montalbano location!). Parking marked with blue lines, meaning you have to pay. Also: At Piazza Matteotti (by the Post office from the Mussolini period), there is an underground parking house. Entrance via Corso Italia, next to number 53.
Ragusa Ibla: There are parking lots in Via Avvocato Giovanni Ottaviano, near the Q8 petrol station. Here is a link to the place in Google Street View. - Segesta: Big parking lot near the entrance.
- Selinunte: Big parking lot near the entrance of the archeological site.
- Termini Imerese: Parking near the cathedral.
If you see any errors or have any tips, please inform us via email, Twitter or Facebook.
