Castelvetrano

Castelvetrano is a town and comune in western Sicily, in the province of Trapani. It lies in the Belice valley, near the coast of the Mediterranean, and is a short distance from the archaeological site of Selinunte, one of Sicily’s largest ancient Greek settlements.

The name Castelvetrano derives from a medieval fortress that once dominated the area, around which the town developed in the Middle Ages. The municipality has grown into the main urban center of the Belice valley and preserves a historic core with churches and palaces reflecting various periods of Sicilian architecture. In 1968 the Belice valley was struck by a powerful earthquake that caused widespread damage in several towns and led to extensive rebuilding in the following decades.

The local economy is largely agricultural, with olive cultivation playing a central role. Castelvetrano is associated with the Nocellara del Belice olive, a cultivar valued for table olives and olive oil, and the surrounding belt produces other fruit, vegetables, and wine.

Culturally, Castelvetrano serves as a gateway for visitors to Selinunte and the broader western Sicily region. The town hosts local festivals and markets that reflect Sicilian traditions.

Transport-wise, Castelvetrano is linked by road to the regional network and has a railway station on the line between Palermo and Trapani, providing connections to major Sicilian cities.