This ancient town originates from 1383 when the Benedectines from the Monastery of Santa Maria delle Scale were granted the fief of Cinisi.

Located aprox 75 kilometres from Palermo, the city is endowed with both naturalistic and cultural riches. The town is landmarked by a number of towers. The tower-castle, dating prior to the Benedictines’ arrival in town, was restored and converted by them into an abbey. Others lookout towers, set along the coast, date back to the second half of the 16th century. The rocky coastline is dotted with rich citrus groves.