Castle
Caltabellotta: the oldest village in Sicily, between history and legends.
14 July 2022 - Categorie: Cultural tourism, The places of the heart, Cities of Art and Villages Tags:
Near the wonderful and characteristic province of Agrigento, the undisputed destination of national and international tourism, you may find the suggestive village of Caltabellotta, rich in history, architectural testimonies and surrounded by myths and legends of the most disparate tastes that have attracted the attention not only of tourists but also of illustrious writers including Goethe and Boccaccio. There are many places to visit in this fantastic village as well as in the surrounding area, you will be spoiled for choice: the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Archaeological Park of Selinunte, Sciacca and its thermal water, and the numerous oases and reserves with splendid beaches including the famous Scala dei Turchi.
Caltabellotta is a town of just over 3000 inhabitants among the oldest in Sicily which has perhaps seen, due to its geographically strategic position, more dominations than any other place on Sicilian soil. Archaeological finds testify to the presence of an ancient Sican city which, after several dominations, evolved over time and with the Arab conquest took the name of "Qalat-al-Ballut" which means fortress of the oaks, hence the current name. But certainly the village is mostly known for the famous Peace of Caltabellotta: on 31 August 1302, in fact, the war of the Sicilian Vespers ended with the signing of the peace treaty between Charles of Valois and Frederick III, recognized as King of Trinacria with the commitment to take Eleonora d'Angiò as his wife.
But there are also many stories that surround the country: among which we remember that of Queen Sibyl and her son William III who was a minor elected as successor in Sicily with the favor of the nobility. After the death of Tancredi, Sibilla and William took refuge in the Castle of Caltabellotta since Henry IV did not look favorably on the boy's appointment as successor. However, instead of besieging the village, he attracted the two to Palermo by deception. He promised them the county of Lecce and the principality of Taranto when, in reality, he had them arrested and exiled as prisoners in Germany.
And how not to mention the rite of rain which has its roots in the 1950s and which is still celebrated today in periods of drought, bringing the simulacra of the Madonna dei Miracoli, Diovivo and San Pellegrino in the same district of 1954 where, in following many prayers, it finally started to rain continuously after almost a year.
Caltabellotta is a town of just over 3000 inhabitants among the oldest in Sicily which has perhaps seen, due to its geographically strategic position, more dominations than any other place on Sicilian soil. Archaeological finds testify to the presence of an ancient Sican city which, after several dominations, evolved over time and with the Arab conquest took the name of "Qalat-al-Ballut" which means fortress of the oaks, hence the current name. But certainly the village is mostly known for the famous Peace of Caltabellotta: on 31 August 1302, in fact, the war of the Sicilian Vespers ended with the signing of the peace treaty between Charles of Valois and Frederick III, recognized as King of Trinacria with the commitment to take Eleonora d'Angiò as his wife.
But there are also many stories that surround the country: among which we remember that of Queen Sibyl and her son William III who was a minor elected as successor in Sicily with the favor of the nobility. After the death of Tancredi, Sibilla and William took refuge in the Castle of Caltabellotta since Henry IV did not look favorably on the boy's appointment as successor. However, instead of besieging the village, he attracted the two to Palermo by deception. He promised them the county of Lecce and the principality of Taranto when, in reality, he had them arrested and exiled as prisoners in Germany.
And how not to mention the rite of rain which has its roots in the 1950s and which is still celebrated today in periods of drought, bringing the simulacra of the Madonna dei Miracoli, Diovivo and San Pellegrino in the same district of 1954 where, in following many prayers, it finally started to rain continuously after almost a year.
The village at nightfall
The square
There are also many places of interest to visit within the village, among which we highlight and recommend, for example, the Castle of Caltabellotta called by some of Count Luna and by others of the Queen Sibyl. The names derive respectively from the most important family that, over the centuries, has held the castle for the longest time, and from the historical fact reported above. In short, you cannot miss a visit to this fantastic town during your holidays in Sicily whether your interest is architectural, historical or simply about the landscape and as a starting point for your journey to explore this part of the island, you can always stay in one of our breathtaking private villas, with private pools and views that will blow your mind.
Recommended villas
Olivastro: Wonderful house located inside the Torre Salsa Reserve, an oasis protected by the WWF. Whether you decide to enjoy the splendid view of the valley full of olive trees from the comfortable and shady patio in front of the house or to walk a suggestive path made of vineyards and prickly pears, this is the ideal home for a beach holiday in Sicily in full relaxation and in total privacy.
Casa Moresca: In the heart of 10 hectares of Sicilian countryside dedicated to the cultivation of olives for oil, the house is located near the town of Castelvetrano and a few kilometers from the Selinunte Archaeological Park. Let yourself be lulled by the scent and sounds of the surrounding nature in its splendid private infinity pool located close to an idyllic pond.
Rosmarino: Exquisite house located within a large estate planted with citrus and olive trees. Its location close to the town of Castelvetrano is an excellent starting point for visiting the wonders of Western Sicily, the heart of tourism on the island, but also an excellent destination for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and the sounds of Sicilian nature while take a dip in its delightful infinity pool or relax comfortably in the cool of the gazebo in the garden.
La Robazza: Rich in history and a few hundred meters from a still active millstone, this delightful residence stands on a small promontory that is part of an ancient Sicilian fiefdom where exquisite extra virgin olive oil is produced, an ideal place for your holidays . In front of the house stands its suggestive infinity pool that will give you unforgettable sunsets and an unprecedented view of the Sicilian countryside full of olive trees.
Villa Sara: Splendid modern residence with a Mediterranean taste, nestled on a sweet promontory that will give you an idyllic view of the Sicilian countryside between Menfi and Sciacca that sinuously slope down towards the sea. Ideal for a break from the hectic city life that will seem like a distant memory while during the sunset you will enjoy a sparkling happy hour on the covered patio in front of the swimming pool.
Camemi: Delightful modern villa with luxurious details, Camemi offers you an almost endless panorama with different shades that starts from the vineyards of the south-west of Sicily and ends with the turquoise of the sea. If you were looking for a place of peace and Sicilian colors and scents, this is the right home for you and perfect for any age, in the beautiful province of Agrigento.
Casa Moresca: In the heart of 10 hectares of Sicilian countryside dedicated to the cultivation of olives for oil, the house is located near the town of Castelvetrano and a few kilometers from the Selinunte Archaeological Park. Let yourself be lulled by the scent and sounds of the surrounding nature in its splendid private infinity pool located close to an idyllic pond.
Rosmarino: Exquisite house located within a large estate planted with citrus and olive trees. Its location close to the town of Castelvetrano is an excellent starting point for visiting the wonders of Western Sicily, the heart of tourism on the island, but also an excellent destination for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and the sounds of Sicilian nature while take a dip in its delightful infinity pool or relax comfortably in the cool of the gazebo in the garden.
La Robazza: Rich in history and a few hundred meters from a still active millstone, this delightful residence stands on a small promontory that is part of an ancient Sicilian fiefdom where exquisite extra virgin olive oil is produced, an ideal place for your holidays . In front of the house stands its suggestive infinity pool that will give you unforgettable sunsets and an unprecedented view of the Sicilian countryside full of olive trees.
Villa Sara: Splendid modern residence with a Mediterranean taste, nestled on a sweet promontory that will give you an idyllic view of the Sicilian countryside between Menfi and Sciacca that sinuously slope down towards the sea. Ideal for a break from the hectic city life that will seem like a distant memory while during the sunset you will enjoy a sparkling happy hour on the covered patio in front of the swimming pool.
Camemi: Delightful modern villa with luxurious details, Camemi offers you an almost endless panorama with different shades that starts from the vineyards of the south-west of Sicily and ends with the turquoise of the sea. If you were looking for a place of peace and Sicilian colors and scents, this is the right home for you and perfect for any age, in the beautiful province of Agrigento.