CASTELVETRANO

What do you know of the origins of Castelvetrano?

The origins of Castelvetrano are said to go back to the ancient Sican population of Legum and successively to the colonies of the so-called Selinuntine veterans in charge of the victual (hence the ancient name “castrum veteranorum”).

The town, however, is documented only from the Angevin period onwards. In 1299 Castelvetrano was granted to the Tagliavia, who were later to become the first princes of the city and whose surname evolved into Aragon, then Pignatelli between the end of the fifteenth and the beginning of the seventeenth century.

In becoming the capital of the Tagliavia-Aragon territory, Castelvetrano was enhanced with numerous works of art. In 1522, Charles V raised the status of the city to that of country; in 1564, Philip II promoted it to principality. In the 1600s the city was struck by the plague and famine, recovering from it in the 1700s. After the mid-nineteenth century uprisings brought about by regiments of volunteers following Garibaldi, and after the unification of Italy, the powerful Saporito family exerted influence over Castelvetrano which lasted beyond half a century.

The prosperity of the city as an agricultural centre is mainly due to its vineyards and olive groves, and to the exportation of olives, olive oil, and wine. The primary sector represents the core of post-World War II urban economy, with several attempts to develop the metalmechanic and wood industries.

Today, Castelvetrano is aiming primarily at improving its touristic vocation.