Castelvetrano
Welcome to Castelvetrano: the city of Olive Trees and Temples
If you are looking for a destination for your next vacation in Sicily, we have the perfect city for you: Castelvetrano. Known as the "City of Olive Trees and Temples", this municipality in the Trapani province is renowned for its cultivation of the Olea europaea, particularly the Nocellara del Belice variety (DOP), and for the temples of Selinunte, an ancient Greek city dating back to the 7th century BC.
Explore the Territory of Castelvetrano
The municipality covers 308.92 km² in the Belice Valley, between the Agrigento and Trapani provinces. From Castelvetrano, you can explore the hilly inland and the sandy coast, where the two seaside villages of Triscina di Selinunte and Marinella di Selinunte are located. The natural environment is fascinating, thanks to the three rivers that run through the area and the Arena dam, which creates Lake Trinity.
The Mediterranean Climate of Castelvetrano
The Mediterranean climate of Castelvetrano is perfect for enjoying your vacation to the fullest. Winters are mild, and you can go to the beach all year round, while summers are beautiful and warm.
The History of Castelvetrano
If you are interested in history, Castelvetrano is definitely the right city for you. The local area has evidence of human presence dating back to the Paleolithic era. In 650 BC, Greek colonizers settled in the territory, founding the city of Selinunte between the Belice and Modione valleys. Selinunte quickly reached its peak in the 6th and 5th centuries BC, with a population of 100,000 inhabitants. Its history was strongly influenced by its location in close contact with the Carthaginians who conquered the city in 409 BC. Later, the area was repopulated with refugees and other populations. In the Middle Ages, the current city was probably born due to a social transformation that took place after the Norman history of Sicily (1130).
What to do in Castelvetrano
There are many things to do in Castelvetrano, especially for history and culture enthusiasts. One of the most important sites is the Temples of Selinunte, among the major tourist attractions in the area. But the city also has many hidden treasures: from archaeological sites to nature trails, from churches to town squares, Castelvetrano will leave you speechless! The city is also famous for its cuisine, particularly olive oil, which you can taste in local restaurants.
How to get to Castelvetrano
Castelvetrano is easily accessible by car (A29 Palermo-Mazzara del Vallo highway) or by train (Castelvetrano railway station). If you are traveling by air, the nearest airport is Trapani-Birgi, about 45 km away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Castelvetrano is a city not to be missed if you want to discover the beauty of Sicily and its millennia of history. Thanks to its cultural, natural, and gastronomic treasures, we guarantee that your vacation will be unforgettable. Take the time to explore this wonderful city and its surroundings, and we assure you that you will not regret it!
