The ten important things to do or see in Marsala and surroundings
Marsala is the largest town in the province of Trapani both by population and for the extension of its territory (241.6 km2 with 82,514 inhabitants). It is known for the production of its wine and the landing of Garibaldi. But it’s not just that. Marsala is a lot more. In this article we show you the 10 things not to miss during a weekend or short break in Marsala.
1 – THE SUNSET ON STAGNONE.Qualche year ago the region commissioned Michelangelo Antonioni, one of the greatest Italian directors, a commercial to advertise the Sicily, when he saw the “Stagnone” was so impressed by the beauty of this place that chose him as a picture final spot, the one that was more thrilled. “The most beautiful sunset in the world” who knows how many times you have heard advertise a location with this slogan, but it is what you say after seeing it.
2 – MOZIA And the lad IN TUNICA.Mozia was the Phoenician city located in present island of S. Pantaleo, easily reached from Marsala (approximately 6 km from the city center you will find the pier from where boats leave every ten minutes that take you Island). Founded by the Phoenicians (8th cent. BC), it was destroyed in 397 BC Numerous archaeological discoveries many of which are located in the city at the Baglio Anselmi houses the Archaeological Museum. A Mozia interesting are the urban ruins of the old town (city walls, port basin; sanctuary said Cappiddazzu). But the main attraction of the beautiful island of Mozia is the marble statue of a young man, commonly known as the “Young Man of Mozia”, the statue, one of a kind because it is a greek artifact found in a Punic province. This, in fact, has aroused much astonishment in the archaeologists at the time of its discovery in 1979. This sculpture has represented Italy at Expo in Japan and that in recent years (not including some controversy) has toured the most prestigious museums in the world, finally the Britsh Museum in London. Today is finally back, and you should not miss it!
3 – THE HISTORICAL CENTER, THE HEART OF THE CITY ‘. Marsala wine owes its name to the Arabs (Marsa-Allah, Port of God), but the original name was Lilybeo, a quadrangle around which were the walls to defend the city with four doors. Today if you go to Republic Square (Piazza Loggia) and you position the corner of the square “Garibaldina dictatorship” with the view facing the sea you will have the chance to see two of the four remaining gates: Porta Garibaldi (Portamare), and, in right Porta Nuova; left at the end of the “Cassaro” was Porta Mazara (destroyed during the bombing of World War II) and behind you Porticella (no longer visible). From there you can start the path to visit the Old Town, the car-free island, started with the Cathedral dedicated to the Bishop of Canterbury, because originally built by the British entrepreneurs. At the end of the visit of cosddetta “Matrix” take the side exit and you will find yourself in a square covered by ancient trees, go left and after about ten meters will see the beautiful square Purgatory with the Baroque fountain and the church of the Purgatory. Immediately on the right and you are on Via Garraffa walking on the left there are some interesting archaeological finds of the old Lilybeo, continue until Piazza del Carmine, the Municipal Art Gallery. Throughout the year they are organized important exhibitions, but still worth a visit, inside you will find a beautiful cloister of the thirteenth century. Now take the small road that leads the way Booty turn left and proceed until you reach Piazza Addolorata, you are in the heart of the city, there you will find the Town Hall a wonderful Spanish mansion and the market, an example of a presence of the Arabs It made evident by its architecture. The Old Market in the evening turns into a meeting place thanks to the many local present. After seeing the door Garibaldi, so named because it is from there that by General after landing on 11 May 1860, go up the street Garibladi and do not miss the museum of Flemish tapestries, curated by the local Church. You deserve a little ‘rest. Garibladi the way is full of bars and outdoor seating. They also make the excellent lemon granita.
4 – HYPOGEUM CRISPIA SAGE If you ask in the city of Crispia Salvia, in the best case we would say: Crispa whom? But it is one of the places at the same time the strangest and most beautiful cities. To be honest citizens have few faults, to see the Hypogeum Crispia Salvia have to arm yourself with all the patience of this world, but if you are you will be enchanted archeology. The underground Crispia Salvia. The floral theme is characteristic of Roman funerary which employed the use of decorations: petals, buds, garlands, swags, elements that recall the Champs Elysees. Dedicated by Iulius Demetrius to his wife Crispia Sage, he died at age 45 with whom he lived for fifteen years libenti mood. If you want to go you can only see by appointment by calling 0923 952535; if you have no time we suggest you a virtual tour.
5 – ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA CHAPTER BOEO The origins of Marsala date back to the first two centuries the Roman imperial age and the third century A.D. period in which was formed the Colonia Augusta Helvia Lilybitanorum, since then has been miraculously preserved an entire area that is now the archaeological park of the city. The Park Archeologicoprevede the recovery of the territory and of the settlement, the exploitation of precious mosaics and artifacts that were found in previous excavations. In the Cape area Boeo remains of houses were found, of which the most significant is the insula, excavated in 1939, dated around II – the first century BC that seems to respect a historical already existing path. The building or Domus was built over a freshwater source: the Cave of the Sibyl Lilibetana. Initially it belonged to the Basilian and then passed to the Jesuits. This ancient place of worship, inspired worship of water, becomes baptismal font and identified as the home of the Sicula Sibilla, pilgrimage and prophecies. Lilybeo ancient Christian monument, of great interest because he lives on the miraculous power of water, the place of the Sibyl is placed in a deep cave where up to ‘400 met the first Christians of Lilybaeum. At the center of the cave still flows the source and in front of the cavity stands a stone altar with an image of St. John the Baptist marble, patron of the city, dating from the fifteenth century. Near the church of St. John is the Baglio Anselmi, now the Regional Archaeological Museum, but until the last century was used as a wine factory. E ‘part of the Archaeological Park of Lilybaeum. In 1986 he was chosen for the exhibition and preservation of the Punic ship wreck and numerous archaeological finds dating back second and first centuries BC until I A.D., and an extraordinary collection of amphorae that indicate the thriving business in this sea.
6 – HISTORIC VISIT TO FACTORIES WINE Marsala is known for the production of wine named after the British believed the best of Porto and Madeira and began to market it worldwide, decreeing the success. In 1833 the entrepreneur Vincenzo Florio bought land in a stretch of beach located between the Ingham-Whitaker and Woodhouse, and it makes you build a factory for the production of Marsala wine. When visiting the Cantine Florio it seems as if time has stopped in 800: the oak barrels, the department stores, the museum with the tools of the time and the inevitable tasting will leave an unforgettable sensation. If you still have some time visit the Cantine Pellegrino, wine house founded in 1880, a wonderful mix of old and contemporary, in addition to historical plant, do not miss the “Towers”, two “silos” transformed by architect Carla Giustolisi in a open space with views of the “Stagnone”. This year was inaugurated “Overture” the new wine of Charles Pellegrino.
7 – THE WATERFRONT BOEO Running near the sea, like walking, is one of the most enjoyable experiences for those who love motorcycle outdoors and want while enjoying the scenery, or look around, observe and look around. The waterfront Boeo in recent years a very busy place in this regard. Obviously you can walk or run, but this does not exclude the possibility of also enjoy the influence of the sea and enjoy for example the spectacle of the sun setting over the sea. If you are used to the morning run is fine, leave your car in the parking lot immediately after the port. A bit ‘of stretching and matches to the waterfront, the full return path goes from the monument to the Thousand (incomplete work, its history read here) to “Salinella”; alternatively, you can get to the Rowing Club and return, are about 3 km. Many prefer the “fast walking” great if you want to dispose of dinner or lunch. Along the way you can admire one of the oldest churches in Sicily dedicated to the patron saint of the city: San Giovanni (V d.c. century); continuing always on the right Baglio Anselmi (Archaeological Museum, read later), just after here is the extreme tip of Italy: Boeo Cape.
8 – MUNICIPAL THEATRE The Teatro Regio San Francesco, a veritable “candy”. The date of ‘May 11 seems to occur more than once in the history of Marsala, a date which also refers to the first official document relating to the birth of the City Theatre: 11 May 1807. The theater regularly worked until 1824 and where special testamentary clauses was It closed from 1826 to 1840. In 1840 the town council expropriated for public use. Following the decline of indoor and outdoor facilities were closed again unfit for use after the earthquake of 1968. In 1983 began the restoration, renovation and furnishing. The municipal theater, reopened in November 1994, with a concert of Andrea Bocelli, and ‘now entitled to Eliodoro Sollima teacher, the late composer Marsala which was for years director of the music Conservatory of Palermo. Home to nearly three hundred seats, three rows of boxes, stalls and gallery.
9 – BETWEEN THE BEACHES ‘BELLE OF SICILY. If you are in Marsala between June and October that you can not miss a dip in the southern slope of the most beautiful beaches of Sicily. For a couple of kilometers from town are the “shores” easily reached by bus from Piazza del Popolo, among the various beach clubs recommend the lido Signorino (today Tiburon Beach), nothing to envy to tropical beaches, we write it without exaggerating but I can find out for yourself, white sand and the sea green color, a show! The plant is well equipped: umbrella and sun; there is also the restaurant or the bar for a quick lunch.
10 – MARSALA TYPICAL DISHES In restaurants you will find the classic local dishes, from fish cuscusu, from pasta with sea urchins (can not find it on the menu, you have to ask) to the baked pasta. But there are some dishes that you should not miss: the sandwich with the fritters, the cunzato bread, rianata, and arancini (in the province of Trapani are pronounced in the female) for salted; the brioche with ice cream, lemon granita and cassatasiciliana for dessert. The sandwich with fritters can be found in several kiosks, there point out two: the market and small door. Almost all bakeries prepare cunzato bread (an inviting and giant half baked loaf by hand topped with tomatoes, oregano, capers and the famous the first cheese salt, high in variants with tuna) and rianate (a soft pizza named by the large amount of oregano which is flavored), a good idea for lunch; if your favorite sweet: the brioche (here pronounce it that) with ice cream or lemon granita with brioche are excellent alternatives. To round off a lunch or you want to snack in the afternoon, we recommend a slice of Sicilian cassata, almost all the bakeries prepare it, we point out that of the Bar De Gaetano in Piazza Garibaldi and Vivona bakery in Via Bilardello near the Piazza Matteotti .
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