In the heart of Sicily, between Agrigento and Palermo, Castronovo is a village rich in history, art, and culture.

As early as prehistoric times, settlements arose along the Platani River, likely founded by the ancient Sicani people. Small cavities carved into the hillside — dating back to the Upper Paleolithic — are known as the Capelvenere Caves, named after the maidenhair fern that still grows inside them. These cavities are believed to have originally been burial chambers, later transformed into a nymphaeum due to water seepage.

Because of the presence of two shell-shaped niches, some scholars suggest that the site may have been used to worship Venus Erycina or the goddess Tanit.

Among the most significant archaeological sites is the KassarPlateau, known to scholars since 1867, when the first map was drawn of a defensive wall nearly two kilometers long, dating between the 7th and 6th centuries BCE. The discovery of small bronze votive figures from that period also suggests the area was already inhabited as early as the 10th century BCE.

Castronovo historian Luigi Tirrito published the map, proposing that the site could be the lost city of Krastos.

In 2005, an archaeological dig led by the Palermo Superintendency in collaboration with the Universities of York and Tor Vergata uncovered the remains of a Byzantine fortress. This stronghold is believed to have been one of the largest in the Mediterranean: the outer wall was reinforced by eleven towers, with two main gates and two escape routes.

The entire complex was destroyed by Arab forces in 848 CE after a prolonged siege.

From the 9th to the 16th century, the population moved to MontagnaReale — today known as Colle San Vitale — where the Arab ruler Abdu Beker began building the Emir’s Castle.

In the 14th century, people settled in the area we now recognize as Castronovo, at the foot of the mountain near two natural springs. This gave rise to the town’s Arab quarters of Rabat and Rakal-Biat.

In 1077, Count Roger of Hauteville — with the help of local citizens — liberated the town from Arab rule, transforming Castronovo into a Confederate City.

In 1391, Castronovo hosted the first Parliament of the Kingdom of Sicily. In 1582, it was designated a Royal City and administrative capital, a title it retained until 1814, with jurisdiction over twelve baronies.

Castronovo became an important crossroads: a document from the 11th century confirms that the Via Francigena — one of the most important medieval routes in Europe — passed through this location.

Today, the historic center unfolds through narrow lanes, arches, and courtyards that echo centuries of stories.