Caltabellotta

This village, standing 950 metres above sea level, is also called the “City of Peace” because it was the site of the 1302 peace treaty between Frederick II of Aragon and Charles of Valois that put an end to the Sicilian Vespers. Perhaps built on the remains of Kamikos the throne of the mythical King Cocalus, Caltabellotta, known to the Romans as Triocala and to the Arabs as Kalat al-Ballut, has more than one mediaeval wonder to offer. For instance there is the Vecchia Terra district, in perfect Arabic style, and what remains of the imposing Norman castle. From here the visitor can see all the way to the flat coast stretching towards Marsala and the hilly interior, dotted with villages and farms. A flight of steps leads from this excellent viewpoint to the small chapel of San Pellegrino, which was founded in the Norman period, but enlarged in the 18th century. It is also possible to visit the cave where the saint is said to have lived. A must is the main church, built at the behest of Roger the Norman in 1090 to thank St. George for granting him victory in a hard battle against the Arabs. The position of the church on the edge of the village is curious, almost confirming the legend that says that the building sprung out of the battlefield. It is also worth visiting the Church of San Salvatore, founded in the Norman period although altered on various occasions since, and the Church of Sant’Agostino with a beautiful 14th century layout.