Caccamo, Medieval hillside town in Sicily, Italy
Caccamo is a town built across steep hillsides at about 521 meters elevation, with views toward the Rosamarina lake and the Tyrrhenian coast. A large Norman fortress sits on a limestone outcrop above the settlement, commanding the surrounding landscape.
Norman rulers established their fortress in 1093 on the limestone outcrop, using it as a command post for controlling the surrounding region. This stronghold shaped the settlement's growth and remained a focal point for the area for centuries.
The Cathedral of Saint George stands as a gathering place where locals and visitors encounter locally crafted religious art and decorated marble elements spanning several centuries. These decorations reflect how the community valued visual beauty in everyday spiritual practice.
The town connects to nearby Palermo and Cefalù through regular bus services, making it practical for day trips from either location. The autumn and spring months offer comfortable weather for walking through the steep streets and exploring the hilltop fort.
Below the Church of Purgatory, a catacomb contains skeletal remains arranged in distinct patterns, reflecting a burial practice that continued into the 19th century. This local custom reveals how death and remembrance were handled differently here than in most of Europe.
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