Sciacca is a small port town in the provinceAgrigenta ofSicily. 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.
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.
In the east of the city lies theSican settlement, this settlement is calledFiguli 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 underFrederick 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 thePerollo family and theCount of Luna, which lasted nearly 70 years, the city declined.
After the Second World War, today's thermal plants were built.
There is no international airport in the province. Sciacca is about 120 km away from two main airports:
The city is easy to reach from all directions. FromPalermo andTrapani by the A29 and SS115, fromAgrigento by the SS115.
There are three bus companies in Sicily,Sais,Ast andInterbus, which connect the main cities.
Sciacca has no railway station. The nearest station is about 35 km away inCastelvetrano, provinceTrapani.
Although Sciacca has a port, there are no ferry companies that service connections to other port cities.
You can easily go around by foot or taxi.
You can find beautiful churches in the upper part of the town, reachable through the old city gatePorta San Calogero. One of the most important isChiese 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 castleCastello 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.
One of the main religious festivals of Sciacca is the feast ofMadonna 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.
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 withAcireale 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:
Sciacca is known for its ceramics. Visit a ceramic shop:
As you would expect, Sciacca has some excellent seafood on offer.
In Sciacca and vicinity are many hotels, B&Bs and holiday homes.
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