Marsala is the largest town in the province of Trapani; its historic centre, with Arab influences, stands on the ruins of the ancient Punic cities of Lilybaeum. It is a city with a lot of history, but also with a crystal-clear sea and beautiful beaches, including Punta Tramontana, San Teodoro, Marausa and Lido Signorino. It is famous for the landing of Garibaldi’s Thousand and for its wine, which bears the same name as the city.
If you are looking for ideas on what to see in Marsala, here are some tips.
First of all, you can start from the historic centre, which maintains some remains of the ancient city walls, including Porta Garibaldi (where Giuseppe Garibaldi and the Thousand passed on May 11, 1860), and Porta Nuova (originally the doors were four). Along the main street (via XI Maggio also called “il Cassaro”) you can admire beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, palaces and many shops for shopping.
In the elegant Piazza della Repubblica, called the living room of Marsala, stands the Duomo (or Mother Church), built in the course in the ‘600 where once stood a Norman church. It is characterized by a Baroque façade with two side bell towers; inside it houses valuable works of art. Not far away we also find Palazzo VII Aprile, with its particular architectural structure. Also worth seeing is Piazzetta Purgatorio, with the church of the same name, and Piazza dell’Addolorata.
The itinerary continues with Villa Cavallotti, a pleasant place to walk and relax. Ideal for walks is also the promenade that leads to Capo Boeo, the westernmost point of Sicily, from where you can see in the distance the beautiful Egadi islands: Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. From the port, daily boat tours, excursions and daily mini-cruises depart to discover this enchanting archipelago.
During your stay, the Museum of Tapestries, the Archaeological Museum and the Pinacoteca, housed in the beautiful complex of the Convento del Carmine, are also worth a visit. To put on the agenda, moreover, a stop in the cellars, where you can taste the delicious Marsala doc and other typical wines.
Nearby we recommend seeing the Archaeological Park, also known as Insula Romana, where you will admire interesting vestiges of antiquity.
Another extra-city destination is the Saline dello Stagnone: a paradise made of white dunes and ancient mills. From here you can also discover the beautiful island of Mozia. Now that you know what to see in Marsala, you just have to enjoy the visit!