Discover Caccamo

Castle and Sacred Art

Castello di Caccamo is one of the largest and best-preserved Norman castles in Sicily and Italy. The Duomo di San Giorgio, set into the rock at the foot of the castle, offers another perspective on its architectural history. The cathedral was founded by the Normans in 1090, restored in 1477 and expanded in 1614. In 1477, the Prades family gave it a baptismal font. Works preserved there include a ciborium finial by Domenico Gagini, a painting by Mattia Stomer, works attributed to Jan Van Houbracken, sculptures by Laurana and historic sacred furnishings.

Art and architectural history are also present in different ways in other churches. The Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli preserves a marble Madonna and Child by Antonello Gagini, as well as a silver urn containing the remains of Blessed Giovanni Liccio. The Chiesa di San Benedetto alla Badia has an 18th-century majolica-tile floor attributed to Nicolò Sarzana. Its decorations depict vaults, emblems, angels and garlands, as well as a ship among the waves.

Churches and Architectural History

The Chiesa dell’Annunziata has medieval origins and was built in several phases. Its older left-hand bell tower was formed from a projecting tower of Castello di Caccamo. The Chiesa dell’Oratorio is part of the monumental Baroque complex around Piazza del Duomo. The Convento di San Francesco has a 16th-century cloister. A permanent exhibition on rural life adds to Caccamo’s cultural history.

Scenery and Trails

The Monte San Calogero nature reserve also extends into Caccamo and includes holm oak woodland and notable animal communities. Several nature trails in the surrounding area wind through lush vegetation and offer panoramic views; these include a trail in the protected area. One specifically described trail runs from the Abbazia di San Nicola de’ Nemori at the foot of Monte Eurako—now called Monte San Calogero—to the summit. Along the way, it passes through pastures, holm oak forests and Mediterranean scrub.

Stage 4 of the Via Francigena can also be described through specific cultural and landscape features: it runs from Caccamo to Montemaggiore Belsito through the plains of the San Leonardo and Torto rivers, towards the Madonie mountains. At kilometre 3.6, it passes the ruins of the Byzantine monastery of San Nicola de Nemore, which has a water source. Lake San Leonardo was created following construction of the Rosamarina dam.

Activities at Lake Rosamarina

Lake Rosamarina is also known as the Diga or Lago di Caccamo. Activities on offer there include sailing, windsurfing and canoeing; horse riding and mountain biking are also mentioned. Check locally before your trip to see which activities are available. This helps you focus your plans on the activities that are actually an option during your stay.

The clear water makes sight fishing possible at the lake, around 800 metres from the dam. Here too, you should check local conditions before your trip.

Festivals and Visit Planning

The annual feast of Blessed Giovanni Liccio takes place on the last Sunday in May and the following Monday. On Monday, the solemn procession passes through Caccamo’s main streets and oldest districts. As the dates should be confirmed locally, it is advisable to check the current festival dates before your trip. The Sagra della Salsiccia di Caccamo is also held annually.

The Chiesa di San Benedetto alla Badia is open in the mornings from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 12:30. Afternoon visits are possible on Mondays and/or other afternoons by prior reservation, from 14:30 to 18:30. Opening hours and reservation requirements may change; check the details before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Trappeto, Terrasini, Geraci Siculo, Camporeale, Mezzojuso, Ficuzza, Petralia Sottana, Altavilla Milicia

For the full travel overview: Palermo.