The Arab-Norman Castle
The
Arab-Normal Castle was built at the end of the
port in Castellammare del Golfo and it was the most important fortress in Western Sicily.
It is rich in elements of great architectural importance; it was entirely built in the middle of the sea and it was connected to the mainland by means of a drawbridge. It was then permanently linked to the coast in 1587; it was further protected by surrounding walls that in a relatively modern age were used as a basis for the construction of fishermen’s houses, while a quay was built on the eastern side. There are several fairy tale-like legends associated with the central tower, which contributes to increasing the magical atmosphere of this location.
Come and discover the “Annalisa Buccellato” Anthropological Museum
Today, the Castle hosts an important museum complex which is used to preserve and enhance the value of the historical, artistic and anthropological heritage of the city and its surrounding areas, among which is the outstanding
"Annalisa Buccellato Museum", Museum which hosts everyday objects associated with the most prevalent agricultural cultivations, tools belonging to the various professions of the past as well as household utensils and objects. It preserves past memories so as to evoke the close ties that link the old and the new. The possibility to be able to organise
guided tours and educational workshops especially for students is rather interesting.
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Entrance to the museum is
free of charge.
Zingaro Nature Reserve
The
Zingaro Nature Reserve stretches throughout the western part of the
Gulf of Castellammare – more precisely from Cala Mazzo di Sciacca to Tonnarella Dell'Uzzo – and this is one of the most important points of panoramic interest throughout the local area.
There are several coves that alternate along the coastal strip that stretches for approximately 7 km within the
Zingaro Nature Reserve. These can be seen from the rocky ridges that overhang the sea.