Editing Licata (section)

=== Middle and Modern Ages ===
The historical centre of the town, near the coastal castle of Lympiados, dates from the period of [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] domination. In 827 the Arabs conquered Licata, and their rule lasted for more than two centuries, ending when the town was captured by the [[italo-Normans|Normans]] on July 25, 1086. During the Norman-Hohenstaufen age the town flourished and was awarded the title of ''Cittè Demaniale'' ("Crown's City").

In 1270 Licata (then having some 7,000 inhabitants) rebelled against [[Capetian House of Anjou|Angevine]] rule as part of the uprising known as the [[Sicilian Vespers]]. Thereafter the town came under the control of the [[House of Trastámara]], who in 1447 granted it the title of ''fidelissima'' ("Most Faithful"). In 1553, after the city was sacked by [[Dragut]]'s corsairs, it was decided to rebuild the walls, together with a [[Castel Sant'Angelo (Licata)|large tower]] which was erected on the summit of Sant'Angelo hill.

Licata began to flourish once more in the 16th century, thanks in part to the presence of a community of [[Maltese people|Maltese]] immigrants, and this period of prosperity continued well into the 17th century, when the first settlements appeared outside the wall, housing the growing Maltese community, and numerous buildings were constructed or rebuilt in the Baroque style. The port also enjoyed a period of prosperity, largely resulting from the export of grain.