Caccamo, Italy: travel guide to the Sicilian hill town, its great Norman castle and medieval old town

Caccamo is a medieval hill town in the province of Palermo, in Sicily, set around 520 metres above sea level on Mount San Calogero, about 45 kilometres from Palermo. It is famous above all for its castle, one of the largest and best-preserved Norman fortresses in Sicily, which dominates the town and the valley of the San Leonardo river below.

For travellers searching for Caccamo Sicily, the Castello di Caccamo, Norman castles in Sicily or medieval towns near Palermo, Caccamo offers an imposing fortress, a maze of historic streets and panoramic views over the Rosamarina lake.

The Castello di Caccamo

Perched on a steep rocky cliff, the Castello di Caccamo is among the largest castles in Italy and one of the finest Norman fortresses on the island. Its history dates back to the late 11th century, probably on the site of an earlier Arab fortification, and it grew over the centuries into a powerful feudal manor. It was a refuge for Matteo Bonello and the conspirators of the barons' revolt against King William I in 1160-61, an episode recalled in its Sala della Congiura, or Conspiracy Hall. The castle was later enlarged by the Chiaramonte family in the 14th century and passed through several noble houses before being acquired by the Region of Sicily in 1963 and restored.

The town

Below the castle, Caccamo's old town is a charming labyrinth of alleys, stairways and stone houses dotted with churches. The white-stone castle, with its V-shaped battlements, towers, moat and courtyard, contains a maze of rooms including stables, a chapel and dungeons. The western terrace offers sweeping views over the countryside and the emerald waters of the Rosamarina reservoir.

Practical information

Caccamo lies about 45 kilometres from Palermo and is easily reached by car, making it an ideal half-day trip. The castle is open to visitors, and the town is known locally for its version of sfincione, the Sicilian focaccia.