Castellammare del Golfo
| Castellammare del Golfo | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comune | ||
| Comune di Castellammare del Golfo | ||
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  Castellammare del Golfo Location of Castellammare del Golfo in Italy | ||
| Coordinates: 38°2′N 12°53′E / 38.033°N 12.883°E | ||
| Country | Italy | |
| Region | Sicily | |
| Province | Trapani (TP) | |
| Frazioni | Balata di Baida, Scopello, Guidaloca, Fraginesi, Lu Baruni | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor | Nicolò Coppola | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 127 km2 (49 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 26 m (85 ft) | |
| Population (2007) | ||
| • Total | 14,908 | |
| • Density | 120/km2 (300/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | Castellammaresi | |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | |
| Postal code |
91014 Balata di Baida: 91010 | |
| Dialing code | 0924 | |
| Patron saint | Maria SS. del Soccorso | |
| Saint day | August 21 | |
| Website | Official website | |
Castellammare del Golfo (Sicilian: Casteddammari; Latin: Emporium Segestanorum / Emporium Aegestensium) is a town and comune in the Trapani Province of Sicily. The name is roughly translated "Sea-Fortress (castle [on the] sea) of the Gulf", deriving from the medieval fortress in the harbor. The body of water it sits upon also takes its name from the fortress, Gulf of Castellammare.
From its marina/port, abounding in restaurants and bars, which is named "Cala Marina" you can go up either by winding steps or long staircases or streets that lead to piazza Petrolo with its magnificent views or towards the main central gardens (Villa Comunale) where the town center lies with many shops, cafes and restaurants.
History
The town itself was founded by the Arabs and its original name was "Al Madarig" (town of steps).
In ancient times, Castellammare del Golfo was 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 small town is also noted for having been the birthplace of many American Mafia figures, including Salvatore Maranzano, Stefano Magaddino, Vito Bonventre, John Tartamella and Joseph Bonanno.
From this name comes also the Castellamarese war, fought by Joe Masseria clan against Salvatore Maranzano clan for the leadership of the Italian Mafia in New York City. However, in the past 20 years Castellammare del Golfo has become an important tourist location as it is conveniently situated between Palermo and Trapani.
Nearby places
The nearby places you can visit are Segesta (the only Greek Temple in the world still standing although the roof was never constructed) and its amphitheater where performances are still held.
- Trapani about 35 km to the west;
- Palermo about 30 km to the east;
- Scopello with its tonnara (tuna fishery) to the west.
- San Vito Lo Capo to the west.
- Beaches such as Guidaloca and Mazza di Sciacca to the west.
- La Riserva dello Zingaro also to the west with its bay beaches only accessible on foot or boat.
- Erice, a historic village, located 750 metres (2,460 ft) above sea level.
From Castellammare del Golfo you can take a boat trip departing from Cala Marina to the Egadi Islands situated in front of Trapani.
To the east, the gulf of Castellammare has a stretch of 30 kilometres (19 mi) of white sandy beaches.
Films
Castellammare del Golfo has also been a location for various films, the following are the names of a few of them:
- For the Love of Mariastella (1946)
- Ocean's Twelve
- Avenging Angelo
- My name is Tanino
- Cefalonia (TV series)
- Inspector Montalbano, episode "The Sense of Touch"
- Largo Winch
- Leaves of the tree
References
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Castellammare del Golfo. |