[1] The area of the district appears today as densely urbanized, despite the fact that in the past it was a particularly flourishing countryside due to the numerous underground waterways.

From the 13th century, the vast suburban area where the current district arose was generally called "Contrada Cassarorum".

The residential settlements built after World War II have occupied a significant part of the countryside.

[2] Brancaccio became known in contemporary times for the murder of Father Pino Puglisi, local parish priest and Antimafia activist who spoke out against Cosa Nostra (the Sicilian Mafia) and attempted to save numerous young persons from being recruited by the clans.

[3] The district takes its name from Antonio Brancaccio, a nobleman of Neapolitan origins who in 17th century became the governor of Monreale, a town (or comune) on the southern border of Palermo.