CASTELVETRANO

 A visit of the historic center of Castelvetrano is an absolute must, both from an artistic and urban perspective. Three adjoining squares (Carlo D'Aragona and Tagliavia Square, Umberto I Square and Principe di Piemonte Square) constitute the core of the urban development. In Carlo D'Aragona and Tagliavia  Square , amidst an airy tree-lined space, there is Pignatelli Palace, built in the 13th century and its only remaining octagonal tower; facing it, the Purgatory Church from 1642 stands atop the remains of an older sacred structure. A visit to Carlo D'Aragona and Tagliavia Square comes to a close with the Mother-Church (1520) decorated by Antonio Ferraro junior and Gaspare Serpotta. Just a stone 's throw away is Umberto I Square , featuring the Fountain of the Nymph, built according to the plans of architect Orazio Nigrone in 1615 upon completion of the aqueduct of Bigini (a splendid example of civil architecture and method of water supply, which few cities on the island benefit from). 

Another source of pride in terms of local heritage is embodied by the Church of Saint Dominic in Regina Margherita Square. It was erected by Giovanni Tagliavia in 1470, and decorated by Charles of Aragon in the 1500s. The adjoining convent features beautiful and recently restored cloisters, and is the seat of the "Liceo Classico". Across the square stands the Church of Saint John the Baptist (late fifteenth century) housing a famous statue of the patron saint sculpted by Antonello Gagini in 1522. The planimetry of the city highlights a peculiar aspect: it counts about 160 courtyards, situated along the streets, manifesting the influence of Arab invasion. An illustration of this peculiarity is the popular and winding Fanti courtyard. Also interesting are the recently restructured Historical Archives, the Notary Archives and the Civic Museum housing the celebrated Selinuntinian Efebo statue together with the metopes from the Selinunte Temples. The Church of SS. Trinità di Delia , at a mere three Kilometers from the centre of Castelvetrano is well-worth a visit. Finally, the fishing village and beaches of Marinella di Selinunte and Triscina di Selinunte are tourist destinations bordering the archaeological park.

Have a look at this video!