Balestrate

Located in Western Sicily, on the rail line between Palermo and Trapani, Balestrate is exactly in the center of the Gulf of Castellamare. In previous times it was where much of the grape crop was grown for the island's famous Marsala wine. Today Balestrate's main industry is fishing and tourism. A small town of nearly 6000 most of the year, Balestrate's population swells up to almost 30,000 during the Summer season with vacationing Europeans and Italians from the colder climates seeking the warm water and sun.

The Coat of Arms of Balestrate with its Norman crown, honors "Sicciara," the town's original name, with the symbol of the cuttlefish ("sicci") so abundant in its waters. Residents of Balestrate still call themselves "sicciaroti" - the "cuttlefish people" - in honor of the old name.

Spanish King Federico III of Aragon gave the territory of Balestrate to the town of Partinico in 1307. According to local legend, a crossbow ("balestra") was used to shoot an arrow from the water's edge, its landing point determining the border of the town's environs; and giving its eventual name - Balestrate.

 

9 °C


Clouds, few clouds


Wind1.03 m/s
Cloudiness20 %
Temperature (min/max)9/9 °C
Pressure1022 hpa
Humidity62 %
Last update: 22 Dec 2024 @ 07:33

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