パルタンナの洞窟・トップ9

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.

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.

The Norman, or Norman-Swabian, Castle of Salemi is a castle built on the top of the hill where the city of Salemi stands, in the center of the Belice valley. Built by Ruggero the Norman around 1077, on pre-existing Greek-Roman fortifications . The religious inscription I.C.N.C.R.I dates back to that period. The geographer El Edrisi already wrote about it in the 12th century. It was remodeled by Federico II di Svevia in the XIII century. On 11 December 1441, a confederation was formed in the castle of Salemi consisting of Salemi, Trapani, Mazara, Monte San Giuliano, Castelvetrano and Partanna, which undertook to defend Queen Bianca of Aragon.

The former Capuchin convent of the 18th century. They were built at the end of the 18th century, on land purchased by Prince Fabrizio Alliata and at his expense, who endowed the friars with income for worship, food and the maintenance of the structures. The church, inserted in the body of the convent, had a single nave which was accessed through the beautiful portal crowned by a robust mixtilinear frame. The convent consisted of sixteen rooms on the ground floor, some of which had a real vault and thirty-one on the first floor, connected by long corridors. From 1927 to 1963 it was used as a hospital and later as a school; it has recently been restored and consolidated also with the insertion of new metal structures.