Mazara del Vallo

The North African element of the intertwining of civilizations that characterizes Sicily is stronger than ever in the fishing port of Mazara del Vallo , located along the coast 22 km from Marsala . Under the Arabs Mazara was one of the most flourishing cities of the island and the capital of the largest of the three administrative districts, or walis , in which the island was once divided, hence the addition of “del Vallo”. The prosperity of Mazara, which was the first Sicilian city to be conquered by the Arabs and the last to be sold, lasted 250 years, coinciding with the apex of Arab domination in the Mediterranean.

The main attraction of Mazara is the profusion of beautiful baroque churches in the old city , which is slowly revitalizing itself, but it is also very pleasant to wander aimlessly through the narrow and winding alleys and alleys of the historical counter, which reveal suggestive corners of Arab imprint . The tree-lined promenade and gardens that line it add another facet to the town's character, with its many sea-view restaurants Mazara is one of the few cities in the west that make the most of its coastal location.

The main street of Mazara is Corso Umberto I , an artery that runs north-south from Piazza Matteotti to Piazza Mokarta , on the seafront. The kasbah is located in the old city, northwest of Mokarta Square. The train station is located east of Corso Umberto I.

What to see

Museum of the Satyr

Housed in the deconsecrated Church of Sant'Egidio, the most interesting repertoire of this museum is the “ Dancing Satyr ”. It is a bronze statue rescued by a group of fishermen in 1998 in a stretch of sea just 40km from the Tunisian coast. Unquestionable work of great beauty, it is believed that it is a very rare and unique original bronze statue that has come down to us and depicts a satyr of Bacchus .

Republic square

Here stands the Cathedral of the Holy Savior erected in the 11th century completely rebuilt in Baroque style. Above the portal stands a relief of the sixteenth century depicting Count Roger on horseback trampling a Saracen.