Top 10 Castles around Salemi

Information about the archaeological site of Segesta.

A country that is absolutely worth visiting, it was the first capital of Italy, even if only for one day.

History, culture and breathtaking views of the hilly surroundings are all mixed here. The view of the Norman-Swabian castle that towers over the town is particularly impressive - a perfect destination after a challenging stage. The climb, especially in the Monte delle Rose district, is quite demanding, but the reward is worth it: a spectacular view of the old town and the castle. Salemi is not only a visual highlight, but also steeped in history. In May 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi briefly proclaimed Salemi the first capital of a united Italy - even if the title only lasted for one day. This town combines the legacy of a turbulent past with the charm of a typical Sicilian village, which lies about 400 meters above sea level. Salemi not only offers a historical insight, but also a challenging but worthwhile route through the rural region. When you drive through the winding streets here, you can literally feel how history and the present merge into one another.

The Doric Temple of Segesta is impressively embedded in the hills of Sicily and invites not only history lovers to take a walk into the past. The unfinished construction gives the temple a rough look, but that is precisely what makes it so attractive - the columns still have the original protective layer that would normally have been removed after completion. The hiking trail up rewards you with a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape and the Gulf of Castellammare. What I particularly liked: From the temple, a beautiful path leads further up to the theater, which is located on the top of the hill. If you choose to walk instead of taking the shuttle, you will be rewarded with many smaller discoveries and fantastic views. The entire complex exudes a special calm - it is a place that invites you to linger and makes history tangible. The magic of the ancient site can be enjoyed wonderfully here, especially in the off-season, when there is less going on.

On 14 May 1860 Giuseppe Garibaldi landed in Marsala and headed towards Salemi. Here he hoisted the Italian flag, a nation that was then forming, on the Norman-Swabian castle, proclaiming Salemi the capital of Italy, an informal title that he retained for only one day. Today Salemi is a splendid town of around 10,000 inhabitants, part of the most beautiful villages in Italy according to the National Association of Italian Municipalities.

Salemi, the first capital of Italy. Sicilian village located on a hill, with a beautiful Norman castle

A historical marvel, the Norman castle

The former Mother Church, dedicated to San Nicola di Bari, collapsed following the earthquake of 1968, stood on the acropolis of the city, now Piazza Alicia, perhaps on the site of a pre-existing pagan temple, which was followed by an Arab mosque. The construction, begun in 1615 on a project by Mariano Smeriglio, was completed in 1761. The recovery intervention by the architect Alvaro Siza intended to leave the ruins of the apse as the scenic background of the square, in memory of the earthquake and as a sign of the consequent rebirth of the town. The large churchyard, between the apse and what remains of the side chapels, has become a meeting and meeting place especially for young people.