Siculiana
Welcome to Siculiana!
Siculiana is a municipality with a rich history located in the Agrigento region of Sicily, Italy. This city has many historical and cultural points of interest, such as the Chiaramonte Castle and the Caricatore Port. In this text, we will take you on a discovery of the history of Siculiana, from ancient myths to modern times.
The legend of Daedalus and Camicus
According to a legend collected by the historian Filippo Cluverio, Siculiana was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Camicus, the residence of Cocalus, the king of the Sicani. This myth narrates that Daedalus, the architect creator of the Labyrinth of Crete, was welcomed by Cocalus in Camicus during his escape from the Greek island. However, the three daughters of King Cocalus killed King Minos of Crete by immersing him in a bath of boiling water.
The legend of Daedalus, Camicus, and the death of King Minos is merely a fantastical tale but provides a romantic image of the city of Siculiana.
The meaning of the name Siculiana
The origin of the name Siculiana is traced back to its natural port on the Canne River, which made the stops safe. This port played an important role in the life of the city, so much so that the name Siculiana means "Gate of Sicily" or "Entrance of Sicily" in Latin.
The Chiaramonte Castle and the golden caskets
In the 12th century, the Arabs built Kalat Sugul Castle in Siculiana. However, when Roger I of Sicily conquered the city, the castle was destroyed. In the 13th century, the castle was rebuilt by Frederick I of Chiaramonte, a nobleman in the service of the King of Sicily.
The Chiaramonte Castle became famous for hosting the family's treasure, which over the years erupted in a series of episodes of violence, betrayals, and murders. In the 1950s, a golden casket was discovered containing 28 objects of great historical value, including jewelry, coins, and pearls. This discovery made the Chiaramonte Castle one of the most famous treasure sanctuaries in the world.
The Chiaramonte family
The Chiaramonte family was one of the most important families in late medieval Sicily and had a great influence on the political and cultural life of the island. Frederick I Chiaramonte, in fact, not only rebuilt the Kalat Sugul Castle but also founded the hamlet of the city and built many churches and public buildings.
His successor, Frederick II, was one of the most controversial characters in Sicilian history. Silvio Pellico described Frederick II in his work "My Prisons" as ruthless and bloodthirsty. Most of his actions were driven by the desire to make his family prosper and to gain power at any cost.
Historical infrastructures of Siculiana
In addition to the Chiaramonte Castle and the Caricatore Port, Siculiana has many other historical and cultural points of interest, including the ancient Church of Carmine, the Church of San Giuseppe, and the Saracen Castle.
Siculiana is a city with a fascinating past but also with great cultural vitality. Today, the city is known for its gastronomic heritage, medieval architecture, and cultural traditions. If you visit Siculiana, you won't regret it!
