Castellammare del Golfo

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Comune di Castellammare del Golfo
Country Italy Italy
Region Sicily
Province Trapani (TP)
Mayor Temporary commission since March 27, 2006
Elevation 26 m
Area 127 km²
Population
 - Total (as of 2004) 14,577
 - Density 115/km²
Time zone CET, UTC+1
Coordinates 38°2′0″N, 12°53′0″E
Gentilic Castellammaresi
Dialing code 0924
Postal code 91014
Balata di Baida: 91010
Frazioni Balata di Baida, Scopello, Guida Loca, Fraginesi, Lu Baruni
Patron Maria SS. del Soccorso
 - Day August 21


Location of Castellammare del Golfo in Italy
Website: Town web site


View from a hillside to the port, the castle and the town
Enlarge
View from a hillside to the port, the castle and the town

Castellammare del Golfo is a town in the Trapani Province of Sicily. The name is roughly translated "Sea Fortress of the Gulf." It is so named because of the medieval fortress in the harbor. The body of water it sits upon also takes its name from the fortress, Golfo di Castellammare.

In ancient times, Castellammare has been the harbor of Segesta, one of the main towns of the Elymian people.

Fishing has been important in Castellammare del Golfo dating back to ancient times. Today the town's economy continues to be based on fishing with the addition of tourism.

The town is noted, however, for having been the birthplace of many American Mafia figures, including Salvatore Maranzano, Joseph Ristuccia, Michael Monte and Joseph Bonanno. Sylvester Stallone's father Frank Stallone Sr. was originally from Castellamare del Golfo.[citation needed]

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