The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Riserva Monte San Calogero

Chiesa SS. Annunziata (Church of the Most Holy Annunciation) is a historic Catholic parish church located in Piazza SS. Annunziata, Caccamo (PA), Sicily, Italy. It is one of the major religious monuments in the historic centre of Caccamo and serves as an active parish within the Archdiocese of Palermo. The church’s origins are medieval, likely dating back to between the late 14th and early 15th centuries. It underwent significant expansion in 1643, giving it its current layout with a Latin cross plan and three naves. An octagonal dome was added in 1762, becoming one of the church’s defining architectural features. Throughout history, the church has evolved stylistically, blending medieval foundations with Baroque elements visible in the façade and interior decoration.

Even though Caccamo’s specific hospital is barely described in modern sources, its existence fits into a well-documented regional system: In Sicily, “ospedali civici” were municipal charitable institutions They were usually founded between the 14th–16th centuries They served: the poor the sick pilgrims and travelers This model is clearly documented for Sicily as a whole, where hospitals were often aggregations of earlier charitable institutions and under civic control. So Caccamo’s Hospitale Civico was not unique—it was part of a standard medieval/early modern welfare system.

The Congregation of the Holy Spirit, to which the title Anime Sante del Purgatorio was later added, founded this church in the early 17th century. The beautifully decorated and well-maintained single-aisled church has modest architecture with six side altars and the apse, with a disused organ and Empire-style stucco work. It contains a 17th-century painting of the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary, Saint Gregory Pope and the Holy Souls on the main altar. This church still houses the brotherhood, which consists of a large number of friars, almost all of them craftsmen. Two important paintings by the Caccamese painter Giovanni Bonomo adorn two altars : one depicts Jesus in the manger, the other the Eucharist with adoring saints. On the altar right center is a large crucifix , while another canvas depicting the Madonna del Carmine, whose harmonious tone of colors by an unknown author, but dating from the 18th century, could be attributed to Sebastiano Conca or someone who followed his style. On either side of the main entrance are two small bookcases , the top two panels of which are reproductions of paintings on wood. An internal staircase at the first altar on the right leads to a floor below that was used as a catacomb.

According to ChatGPT: a large cave that was once formed by the sea. Remains of dwarf elephants were found in the Grotta Mazzamuto, suggesting that the area was once inhabited by animals that were later isolated.

You have to climb a steep path to reach the cave, BUT it is worthwhile.

https://www.comune.caccamo.pa.it/qr/Terrazzo_Bellavista.htm https://www.comune.caccamo.pa.it/qr/IngressoCastello.htm

Caccamo Castle is one of the largest and best kept in Europe

Very easy hike, very beautiful from Cacamo! Magnificent view of the North Sicilian coast from Palermo to Cefalu!