Castelvetrano - Selinunte
CASTELVETRANO
Castelvetrano in the province of Trapani has ancient origins, it was probably founded following social transformation that occurred after the Norman conquest (1130). The country dwellers began to move into the towns: so, as in the rest of Italy and Europe the bourgeoisie class was created. The existence of this town has been recorded since the time of Angevin rule. The place name Castrum Veteranum was already in use before the foundation of the town, perhaps to indicate the location of a crossroads.
In 1299 Castelvetrano was handed over to the Tagliavia family, future princes of the town, their surname mutated over time to become Aragona and Pignatelli. Between the end of the 15th century and the start of the 16th century this Sicilian town became the centre of the Tagliavia - Aragona property, and became the home of numerous artworks.
In 1522 the King of Spain, Charles V, elevated the town to county status, in 1564 his son Philip II made it a principality.
Under Spanish rule Castelvetrano went through a period of famine and epidemics in the 17th century. During the Italian Risorgimento, Castelvetrano went through two uprisings (1820 and 1848) and in 1860 a number of people from Castelvetrano joined Garibaldi's "Thousand".
Today the Castelvetrano municipal area has a population of 30 thousand, and has a rich legacy of traditions, culture, folklore, and a strong food and wine identity deeply bound to the area.
SELINUNTE
The name Selinunte derives from the Greek Sèlinon, a term for a type of wild flowering parsley with a strong scent which grew in proliferation in the area.
Considered by many as the largest archaeological park in Europe, Selinunte is an extraordinary and ancient town of Greek origins that enjoys a splendid position roughly 30m above sea level.
Strolling through the ruins of the temples, between imposing columns and long paths in a semi-deserted area you will come to the clearing by the most beautiful beaches of Marinella di Selinunte, in the territory of Castelvetrano.
The sandy beach is situated between the mouth of the river Belice and the marina of Marinella.
Just inland from this extraordinary stretch of coast you will find the large archaeological complex of Selinunte composed of an Acropolis, the eastern Collina, the pianoro di Contrada Manuzza, the santuario della Malophoros in contrada Gaggera and two Necropolises (Manicalunga and Galera Bagliazzo).
In the past Marinella di Selinunte had a central role in the Greek world, today as a small fishing village it is a holiday location, a tourist destination with a wealth of history and culture thanks to the Greek temples and fortifications, the area is also distinguished by the unspoiled nature of its beaches and clear sea with a scattering of small typical boats.
The town stretches along the sandy littoral and lies in the south-eastern part of the province of Trapani. The characteristics of this small portion of Sicily are its seafaring traditions, beach life, the slow pace of life, the excellent Mediterranean cuisine and the fish auction which is held every day in Piazza Empedocle from seven in the morning onwards.
The Althea Hotel can be found in the midst of this stupendous natural and cultural context, it is one of the most beautiful hotels in the province and even the whole region. The Althea Hotel is distinguished by its excellent position and for being amongst the best equipped most comfortable hotels in the Castelvetrano area. It is capable of satisfying the needs of any type of clientele: families, businessmen, young couples, children, ... in short it is the ideal hotel for enjoying an unforgettable vacation by the Mediterranean.
