Located in the heart of the Belice Valley, Salemi is an Arab-medieval town of major urban importance, and stands equidistant from the major centres in the area.
The town of Salemi, located among hills planted with vineyards and olive groves, gathers around the castle from whose crenellated terrace of the circular tower it is possible to see a vast panorama of western Sicily that casts the observer's gaze as far as the sea. Situated on the site of the ancient Elymian city of Halyciae, it was the scene of continuous wars between Selinunte and Segesta.
Also known for its strategic position during the advance of the Thousand in 1860, it was here that Giuseppe Garibaldi, having landed at Marsala, headed for the city on 14 May and was greeted with great enthusiasm by the population.
Of great importance are the Norman Castle, the Museum of Ritual Bread, the Civic Museums of Salemi, which include sections on sacred art, archaeological resurgence, the museum of the Mafia and the museum of Pietra Campanedda.
Among the most flourishing typical traditions maintained are carpet weaving on the loom, embroidery and the working of stone from the local quarries.
The town is included in the club of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, the association of small Italian towns that stand out for their great artistic, cultural and historical relevance, for the harmony of their urban fabric, liveability and services to citizens. The club has positively assessed the inclusion of Salemi in the system of the most beautiful villages in Italy by virtue of the beauty of its historic centre and the projects recently put in place to enhance the historical and architectural beauty of the Trapani town.
The municipality of Vita, located at the foot of Mount Baronia, in the Belice area, is also close to the Segestane Thermal Baths, the Temple of Segesta and Gibellina, renowned for its monuments and great cultural ferment. In fact, every year the Orestiadi, an international festival with events ranging from theatrical performances to musical and cultural events, takes place here.