Sciacca

Sciacca is a small port town in the province Agrigenta of Sicily. Sciacca is a popular tourist destination. In the historic city centre, a large part of the 16th-century ramparts with three almost completely intact city gates still exist. You will find the largest concentration of historic buildings throughout the region.

Understand
Rich religious traditions are maintained, such as religious processions and the old carnival. Sciacca is a spa by the presence of thermal baths. Sciacca has a fishing port and a marina. On either side of the city are main beaches.

History
In the east of the city lies the Sican settlement, this settlement is called Figuli settlement. The Sciacca area has been settled very early. Even the Romans knew of the healing springs.

Under the rule of the Arabs and the Normans, the city grew. Among the Arabs the current structure of the old town was built. At that time, the city walls and the castle were built.

In 1330 the town walls and castle were restored under Frederick II of Aragon. In the 16th New century churches and monasteries were built. After this time, as a result of the feud (Caso di Sciacca) between the Perollo family and the Count of Luna, which lasted nearly 70 years, the city declined.

After the Second World War, today's thermal plants were built.

By plane
There is no international airport in the province. Sciacca is about 120 km away from two main airports:

By car
The city is easy to reach from all directions. From Palermo and Trapani by the A29 and SS115, from Agrigento by the SS115.

By bus
There are three bus companies in Sicily, Sais, Ast and Interbus, which connect the main cities.

By train
Sciacca has no railway station. The nearest station is about 35 km away in Castelvetrano, province Trapani.

By boat
Although Sciacca has a port, there are no ferry companies that service connections to other port cities.

Get around
You can easily go around by foot or taxi.

Quartiere di San Michele
You can find beautiful churches in the upper part of the town, reachable through the old city gate Porta San Calogero. One of the most important is Chiese di Santa Maria dell'Itria which was built in 1380. The church has a beautiful gate with carved floral decoration. The nave of the church is decorated with pure gold. In this area you will also find remains of the monumental castle Castello dei Luna. The castle was built at the end of the 14th century and renovated in the 16th century, but almost completely destroyed in the 19th century. Only the outer walls and an impressive tower survived the devastation. Quartiere di San Michele is an Arab Kasbah connected with stairs and alleys with the Old Town.

Do

 * A city walk - At the tourist office (Ufficio Turistico, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 84) you can get a city map. There are also descriptions of these city walks and hiking trails in the surrounding area including the archaeological area of archeological park Selinunte.
 * The Thermal baths - Sciacca has the oldest thermal baths of Sicily. Mt. Kronio is famous for the architecture complex of the Hypogeum with its thermal activities of circulating air and vapors. The temperature is approximately stable, at around 38°C, but at times it is as high that the complex is closed. There are five caves:Stufe di San Calogero, Grotta del Lebbroso, Grotta di Mastro, Grotta del Gallo, and Grotta di Cucchiara. The latter is a true labyrinth. If you like caving then this cave is worth a visit. Mt. Kronio (also known as Monte San Calogero) is 7 km from Sciacca.
 * Stroll around the colorful fishing port.
 * Relax on one of the beaches.
 * Stroll around the colorful fishing port.
 * Relax on one of the beaches.
 * Relax on one of the beaches.

Festa della Madonna del Soccorso
One of the main religious festivals of Sciacca is the feast of Madonna del Soccorso, the patroness of the country, which is celebrated on February 2 and August 15. The festival dates back to the seventeenth century as a result of the plague. According a legend, a statue of Mary that was found at sea is carried by fisherman in procession since that time.

Carnevale di Sciacca
The Carnival of Sciacca has an ancient history, which some claim originated in Roman times. More likely it comes from the 17th century when the first people went on street in disguise. Later decorated floats were driven through the narrow streets. Sciacca is in competition with Acireale on the east coast that has a rich carnival history too. If you are not in a position to come to Sciacca during carnival please consolation to visit the carnival museum:

Buy
Sciacca is known for its ceramics. Visit a ceramic shop:

Eat
As you would expect, Sciacca has some excellent seafood on offer.

Sleep
In Sciacca and vicinity are many hotels, B&Bs and holiday homes.

Go next

 * Make the effort to visit Eraclea Minoa. The ruins aren't as good as others, but the pine forest-backed beach is beautiful.
 * Caltabellotta, on a nearby hill is a short and delightful bus ride away.