Caccamo: Castle, Churches and Nature at Lago Rosamarina

Caccamo between Castle, Churches and the Old Quarter

Caccamo combines Castello di Caccamo with churches, historic quarters and diverse landscapes. Castello di Caccamo is one of the largest and best-preserved Norman castles in Sicily and Italy. Terravecchia is the oldest quarter of Caccamo. The Duomo di San Giorgio is embedded in the rock at the foot of Castello di Caccamo.

The churches preserve a remarkable combination of art, devotion and architectural history. The Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli preserves a marble Madonna and Child by Antonello Gagini, as well as a silver urn containing the mortal remains of Blessed Giovanni Liccio. The Chiesa di San Benedetto alla Badia has an 18th-century majolica tile floor attributed to Nicolò Sarzana and decorated with vaults, emblems, angels, garlands and a ship among the waves. The Chiesa dell’Annunziata has medieval origins and was built in several construction phases; its older left bell tower was formed from a projecting tower of Castello di Caccamo.

Art, Squares and Religious Buildings

The Duomo di San Giorgio was founded by the Normans in 1090, restored in 1477 and extended in 1614. It preserves a baptismal font that it received from the Prades in 1477, as well as a ciborium canopy by Domenico Gagini, a painting by Mattia Stomer, works attributed to Jan Van Houbraken, sculptures by Laurana and historic sacred furnishings. The Chiesa dell’Oratorio is part of the Baroque monumental complex around Piazza del Duomo. The Convento di San Francesco has a 16th-century cloister. Caccamo also has a permanent exhibition on peasant civilization.

Nature Trails, Lakes and Longer Routes

The Monte San Calogero Nature Reserve also extends into Caccamo and includes holm oak forest as well as remarkable animal communities. Several nature trails offer lush vegetation, wildlife and panoramic views, including a trail in the Monte San Calogero Nature Reserve. Lago San Leonardo in Caccamo was created after the construction of the Rosamarina dam.

Stage 4 of the Via Francigena leads from Caccamo to Montemaggiore Belsito through the plains of the San Leonardo and Torto rivers towards the Madonie. At kilometer 3.6, this stage passes the ruins of the Byzantine monastery of San Nicola de Nemore with its adjoining water spring. Another trail extends from the Abbazia di San Nicola de’ Nemori at the foot of Monte Eurako, now called Monte San Calogero, to the summit of Monte San Calogero and leads through pastures, holm oak forests and Mediterranean maquis.

Lago Rosamarina, also known as Diga or Lago di Caccamo, offers sailing, windsurfing and canoeing. Horseback riding and mountain biking are also associated with the lake. About 800 meters from the dam, the clear water is associated with sight fishing.

Festivals and Practical Information

The Santuario della Madonna degli Angeli outside the built-up area bears witness to the cult of Saint James, the patron saint of roads and hikers. The annual festival of Blessed Giovanni Liccio in Caccamo takes place on the last Sunday in May and the following Monday. The solemn Monday procession passes through the main streets and the oldest quarters of Caccamo. From a culinary perspective, the annual Sagra della Salsiccia di Caccamo is another established highlight.

For visiting the Chiesa di San Benedetto alla Badia, morning opening hours apply from Tuesday to Sunday, from 09:00 to 12:30 each day. In the afternoon, visits are possible on Mondays and/or other afternoons from 14:30 to 18:30 by prior reservation.

Further destinations for planning your trip: San Giuseppe Jato, Vicari, Pollina, Aspra, Montelepre, Lascari, Borgetto and Ventimiglia Di Sicilia.

To the higher-level travel overview: Palermo.