Termini Imerese/ Himera/ Caccamo Information

The Tyrrhenian coast is not just about fishing villages and ocean vistas. There are some fabulous little towns just inland that provide a very good excuse for leaving the seaside and getting to grips with some of Sicily's more ancient past.

The Tyrrhenian coast is dotted with archaeological sites such as the one at Himera near Termini Imerese and castles like the stunning Norman stronghold at Caccamo.

Termini Imerese

Where can you go for a great view, a dip in an ancient bath and to see some prehistoric archaeological finds? The answer is Termini Imerese. It's also a good place to base for visiting Caccamo and Himera that are also detailed below. It's worth noting the origins of the town's name. It actually derives from two neighbouring Greek settlements that were called Thermae (now Termini) and Himera. The name Thermae, or Termini, itself derives from the word for hot springs. Himera was destroyed by the Carthaginians and the survivors were absorbed into Thermae; later called Thermae Himerenses for the sake of distinction.

How to get to Termini Imerese

Termini Imerese is located between Palermo (40km away) and Cefalu (30km) on the Tyrrhenian Coast. The town is bordered by some ugly industry but if you can look past that you'll enjoy the seafront views and the backdrop of Monte Calogero. A train station that links the town with Palermo in the west and Messina in the east, stops just 400m southeast of the centre. There are also local and long distance buses that pass through Termini Imerese run by SAIS Trasporti, Azienda Siciliana Trasporti (AST), Autobus Randazzo and Macaluso Autoservizi.

Things to do and see in Termini Imerese

As the name suggests, Termini was named for its ancient thermal springs. And when the Romans took over the town in 225 BC, Termini Imerese became renowned as a thermal spa. It still is, although you have to visit the Grand Hotel delle Terme in the lower town to enjoy the 42 degree centigrade curative waters. Stay at the hotel and you get to bathe for free. To see the majority of Termini Imerese's sights however you need to head to the upper town. Here there are more remnants of the Roman's reign. In the Villa Comunale remnants remain of an Antifeatro Romano (Roman ampitheatre) where gladiators once competed. The old entrance to the city, once completely encircled by walls, still exists on Via Garibaldi.

Other sights in town include the spacious Piazza del Duomo and the 17th Century church with sculptures from the Gagini school and a number of frescoes. Just opposite the cathedral is the Museo Civico that contains finds from ancient Himera such as a stone slab with Arabic inscriptions and lions' heads from Himera's Temple of Victory. However one of the most wonderful parts of Termini Imerese is the Via Belvedere that leads to a panorama over the lower town and the remnants of a castle. Wonderful for an evening stroll. An impressive Roman aqueduct can be found on the road to Caccamo in Contrada Figurella.

Accomodation and restaurants in Termini Imerese

If you need to stay overnight Hotel Il Gabbiano and Grande Hotel delle Terme come recommended, the latter offers water treatments from Termini Imerese's ancient spas. The Bar del Duomo on Via Belvedere is a great place to eat.

Himera

Ancient Himera was founded in 648 BC by the Greeks, so you could say it's pretty old. In fact it was the first Greek settlement on this part of the island. However there's not a lot left at the actual site these days - most of it is in nearby Termini Imerese and Palermo. The prosperity of Himera was also its undoing - it was destroyed by Carthage in 480BC and the survivors fled to Termini Imerese.

Himera is just five kilometres east of Termini Imerese on the north coast of the island. Himera is on the SS113 and easily accessed by car. Those reliant on public transport can take a train to Buon Fornello or a bus from Termini Imerese train station.

The only recognizable sections left of Himera include the impressive Doric structure, the Tempio della Vittoria (Temple of Victory) and parts of the old acropolis

Most people visiting Himera come on a day trip from Termini Imerese, Cefalu or Caccamo. However there is some accommodation near the ancient site near the Buon Fornello train station including the Himera Polis Hotel and Villaggio Himera Camping. For somewhere to eat in Himera head to the Ristorante Baglio Himera.

Caccamo

Caccamo is well and truly on Sicily's castle trail. Even those that have seen plenty of ancient structures will be impressed by the Norman castle dominating the town that is almost like something out of a fairytale. Caccamo lies within the province of Palermo and It is just 6km from Termini Imerese, lying almost directly south of the town. It is possible to get to Caccamo by bus from Termini Imerese and Cefalu on Autolinee Randazzo.

Things to do and see in Caccamo

The castello is the main tourist sight in town and indeed you can't miss it anyway although you'll have to trudge up a steep path to reach the gateway and main keep. There is a small fee to go inside. Below the castle there are a few other things worth stopping off for. La Bottega della Roccia is a shop selling local produce that was once the house of a farmer. Here you'll find Sicilian honey, jam, wine, grappa and hand painted ceramics - make sure you take a moment to step in. The Castellana restaurant-pizzeria in Caccamo comes recommended.

Near the Bottega is La Locanda del Principe. The Associazione Culturale Sicilia and Dintorni has various photographic displays of castles, churches and Caccamo. The other thing worth seeing in Caccamo is the rather splendid Piazza del Duomo and the 11th Century Cathedral which is heavily Baroque and features lovely carvings.

Those that like things of the ghoulish variety may also wish to visit the Chiesa dell'Anime del Purgatorio next to the cathedral which is as macabre as its name suggests. Here you'll find catacombs with skeletons in the niches.

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