Mazara del Vallo

Mazara del Vallo is a city that is part of the free consortium of Trapani and represents one of the symbols of Mediterranean culture, with a melting pot of very different cultures and populations that have succeeded one another, leaving a particular imprint on the place.

In addition to the beautiful beaches that alternate along the coastline, changing abruptly from sandy to rocky, the constant is the clean, crystal-clear sea that absolutely deserves at least a dip.

Famous for the discovery in 1997 of the Statue of the Dancing Satyr, found at a depth of 500 metres, Mazara del Vallo represents a very important artistic and cultural attraction for the entire Sicilian region. The bronze statue is located inside the Church of Sant’Egidio, in the city centre, inside a museum bearing the same name. It also houses other archaeological finds such as a bronze fragment of an elephant’s foot from the Punic-Hellenistic period and a collection of amphorae from the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Punic, Roman and even medieval periods.

The historical centre, however, is also beautiful just for the labyrinthine tangle of streets and courtyards: the Kasbah is a constant reminder of the Medinas, so much so that it is confusing as to where you are.

Among the most characteristic squares is Republic Square, on which stands the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour.

Without forgetting Piazza Mokarta and the Norman Arch, your visit must include the Garibaldi Theatre, whose characteristic feature is that it was built by salvaging wood from fishing boats. The interior style reflects this choice, in fact even the roof inside resembles the keel of a ship.

Other important buildings to visit are:

• the Bishop’s Palace dating from the 16th century
• the Bishop’s Seminary Palace from 1710
• the remains of a 16th-century aqueduct
• the Amphoreus Museum
• the Diocesan Museum.