Castellammare del Golfo

Infobox CityIT
img_coa = Castellammare-bjs-2.jpg
official_name = Comune di Castellammare del Golfo
name = Castellammare del Golfo
region = Sicily
province = Trapani (TP)
elevation_m = 26
area_total_km2 = 127
population_as_of = 2004
population_total = 14577
population_density_km2 = 115
coordinates = coord|38|2|N|12|53|E|region:IT_type:city(14577)
mapx = 38.025
mapy = 12.882
frazioni = Balata di Baida, Scopello, Guida Loca, Fraginesi, Lu Baruni
telephone = 0924
postalcode = 91014 Balata di Baida: 91010
gentilic = Castellammaresi
saint = Maria SS. del Soccorso
day = August 21
mayor = Temporary commission since March 27, 2006
website = [http://www.comune.castellammare.tp.it/ Town web site]

Castellammare del Golfo ("Casteddammari" in sicilian) is a town in the Trapani Province of Sicily. The name is roughly translated "Sea Fortress of the Gulf." It is so named because of the medieval fortress in the harbor. The body of water it sits upon also takes its name from the fortress, Golfo di Castellammare.

In ancient times, Castellammare had been the harbor of Segesta, one of the main towns of the Elymian people.

Fishing has been important in Castellammare del Golfo dating back to ancient times. Today the town's economy continues to be based on fishing with the addition of tourism.

The town is noted, however, for having been the birthplace of many American Mafia figures, including Salvatore Maranzano, Joseph Ristuccia, Michael Monte and Joseph Bonanno. Also Sylvester Stallone's father Frank Stallone Sr. was originally from Castellammare del Golfo. [http://www.celebrityshack.com/view/celebrities/male/Sylvester-Stallone/ Celebrity Shack] ]

From this name comes also the Castellamarese war, fought by Joe Masseria clan against Salvatore Maranzano clan for the leadership of the Italian Mafia in New York city.

References

External links

* [http://www.castellammareonline.it Castellammare Online]
* [http://www.comune.castellammare.tp.it/ Castellammare's Official Website]
* [http://www.comune.castellammare.tp.it/Turismo/Dove_dormire/Alberghi/ Tourism Portal - Hotels]