Caltabellotta is a historic hill town in the Agrigento area, set high on a harsh rocky spur nearly 1,000 metres above sea level beneath Monte Kratas. Its position over the Sicani landscape gives it the character of a mountain settlement: compact, stone-built and closely bound to the cliffs, with a medieval centre of winding lanes and rocky edges.
Its identity reaches back through several layers of Sicilian history. The Arabic name *Qal’at al-ballut*, meaning “fortress of the oaks”, reflects its stronghold character, while older traditions link the area with the Greek name Triocala and the legendary Camico of Cocalo and Daedalus. The town later became important in the Norman period and was also connected with the noble Luna family.
Caltabellotta is especially remembered for the Peace of Caltabellotta, signed here in 1302 by Federico II d’Aragona and Carlo di Valois to end the War of the Vespers. More than a scenic hill village, it stands out as a place where myth, mountain geography and medieval political memory meet in one of Sicily’s most dramatic inland settings.
Patron Saint:
Saint Pellegrino (San Pellegrino di Triocala) – 18 August
Nearest Airport:
Trapani (Birgi) – (116 km, 02:00)
Neighboring Cities:
