Licata, Coastal commune in southern Sicily, Italy
Licata is a coastal town in southern Sicily facing the Mediterranean Sea with about 20 kilometers (12 miles) of shoreline. Sandy beaches line the eastern part while the western coast turns rockier with small coves and inlets.
The settlement began as a Phoenician trading post between the 12th and 8th centuries BC for exchange of goods across the Mediterranean. In Roman times it became a commercial harbor for exporting grain from the Sicilian interior.
The Teatro Re Grillo dates from 1922 and shows Liberty style features with ornamental details and curved lines visible on its facade. It hosts theater performances and concerts throughout the year and serves as the main cultural venue for the town.
The sandy beaches on the eastern side work well for swimming and get busier during daytime in summer compared to rockier stretches farther west. Walking along the seafront promenade offers views of the water and connects different sections of the shore.
Castel Sant'Angelo was built by Spanish rulers in the 16th century and sits on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Gela and the mouth of the Salso River. From there the coastline could be watched in both directions and incoming ships spotted early.
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