Salemi

Salemi stands among the hills of western Sicily, on the site associated with ancient Halyciae. A castle was built during the Norman period, around which the medieval town developed. After a period under feudal lordship, Salemi received the more favourable status of a royal town in 1392. In 1441 representatives of Salemi and other western Sicilian towns joined local barons in a defensive agreement at its castle. In 1542 a locust infestation damaged crops and brought famine; local tradition connects appeals for relief with Saint Blaise. The town's churches, castle and surrounding fields reflect its long life as an inland centre within Sicily's changing political order.