GO TO THE CITY CENTER

(click on “GO TO THE CITY CENTER” and Maps will take you to the center of the town)

Castle of the Counts of Modica

Local marble of honour The spectacular grand staircase located in the inner courtyard of the Castle of the Counts of Modica in Alcamo is no ordinary marble: it was made entirely from red marble quarried directly from the nearby Monte Bonifato.

VISIT ALCAMO Castle of the Counts of Modica, Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, Church of the Gesù. Here is an essential, step-by-step itinerary for exploring Alcamo's town centre on foot in a couple of hours, following the main axis of the VI Aprile Course:

1. The Heart: Ciullo Square

It is the nerve centre of the city, renovated to a design by Gae Aulenti. Overlooking it are:

• Church of the Jesuit College (or Church of Jesus): Imposing Baroque facade dominating the south side.
• Church of Saint Oliva On the opposite side, it preserves important sculptural works by the Gagini.

2. The Historic Axis: Corso VI Aprile (the “Narrow Corso”)

Slice the city in two and it's perfect for a walk. Walking east for a few minutes you'll find:

• Piazza IV Novembre and the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta (Mother Church): Of thirteenth-century origin but refitted in the 18th century, it boasts a magnificent dome, frescoes by Borremans, and the Museum of Sacred Art inside.

3. The Fortress: Republic Square

Slightly deviating from the route, you arrive at the largest square in Alcamo, where the Castle of the Counts of Modica. It is a 14th-century fortress with a rhomboid plan and four towers (two square and two cylindrical), today a cultural centre and the seat of the Regional Historic Wine Library.

In summary, for artistic details:

If you're looking for the purest Baroque and Serpotta stucco work, the two true hidden gems in the centre (often visitable by request or at specific times) are the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian and the Church of the New Abbey

THE BEACHES

The coastline Alcamo Marina extends over approximately 7 kilometres at the centre of the Gulf of Castellammare. Here are its essential characteristics:

• The structure It's a beach linear, low and very wide, formed of fine, golden sand.
• The sea The seabed is sandy and slopes very gently, making it ideal for families with children. The waters change colour between light blue and clear blue.
• The zones Alternating between completely free stretches of beach and equipped bathing establishments (lidos), concentrated mainly near the main areas (such as the area Shoreline, Canalotto o Calatubo).
• Naturalistic peculiarity In some areas (especially towards the Calatubo dune protected area), pioneer coastal vegetation persists, where in summer the spontaneously blooms Sea lily.

(La Battigia Beach)

SHOPPING

Where to go shopping in Alcamo

Shopping in Alcamo is distinctly divided between two main urban axes, each with its own identity and type of shops:

Modern Shopping: Viale Europa It represents the city's contemporary and commercial counterpart. This grand avenue is the go-to spot for quick shopping and for families. Here, the large stores, national and international franchises, sporting goods stores and fast fashion chains. It's the perfect area for those looking for the most famous brands, an enormous variety of choice, and the convenience of large exhibition spaces. Historic Shopping: Corso VI Aprile In the heart of the historic centre, along the “Corso stretto”, the most traditional and prestigious shopping is concentrated. It is the ideal area to stroll on foot among period buildings, where you can find High-end clothing boutique, jewellery shops, select footwear stores and small artisan boutiques. It is the recommended choice for those looking for sought-after items, tailoring brands and a classic city centre atmosphere.

Alcamo horse fountain, Via Discesa Santuario