Marsala and more
WHAT TO DO AND SEE
All you really need to visit
Chiesa Madre
The facade of the building of worship overlooks Piazza della Repubblica and the nearby Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. It is the most impressive of the churches in Marsala, dedicated to San Tommaso Becket, archbishop of Canterbury. Over the centuries, the church has undergone numerous expansions and restorations which have shaped its current form. While the exterior is characterized by the Baroque style in the lower part and Baroque in the upper part, the interior of the church presents an elegant fusion of Norman style with Baroque details.
Chiesa del Purgatorio
The Church of Purgatory is commonly considered the most splendid in Marsala and one of the best examples of Sicilian Baroque. Expanded following a plague, since 1601 it has housed the Congregation of the Souls of Purgatory, from which its name derives. Today, after the restorations of 1669 and completion in 1710, the church represents a perfect integration with the surrounding architecture. It has a Latin cross basilica plan with three naves, transept and a refined dome. The eighteenth-century frescoes and stucco ornaments enrich the interior.
Porta Garibaldi
Initially called Porta del Mare due to its proximity to the beach, Porta Garibaldi is one of the four entrances to the city, together with Porta Nuova. This valuable building in late Renaissance-Baroque style, with mannerist influences, obtained its current name on 11 May 1860, when Giuseppe Garibaldi landed in Marsala with the Thousand, starting his journey for the unification of Italy.
Il Cassaro
From Porta Garibaldi runs Via XI Maggio, known as the "Cassaro", the main pedestrian street of Marsala. This avenue is ideal for shopping, relaxing in a bar while sipping local wine or for an evening stroll. During the warm summer evenings, Cassaro comes alive with life and joy.
Porta Nuova
The sobriety and elegance of the classic sixteenth-century style characterize Porta Nuova, with a triumphal arch with a fornix reminiscent of the Roman style. Inside the fornix, two plaques commemorate the speech of King Vittorio Emanuele III at the beginning of the First World War and the victory of General Armando Diaz. This door evokes the refined style of Roman triumphal arches.
L’Antico Mercato
By day, the place hosts a lively fresh local fish market, transforming in the evening into an area full of clubs and pubs to enjoy cocktails or beer.
BOEO WATERFRONT
Walking along the seafront, you reach Capo Boeo, the western end of Sicily, with a view of the Egadi Islands. Near Porta Garibaldi, there is the Monument to the Thousand. Continuing, you can admire the Lilibeo Archaeological Park with the adjoining Museum, which tells the story of the foundation of Marsala and shows the remains of an ancient Punic ship.
THE CELLARS OF MARSALA
The cellars of Marsala represent an essential stop for wine lovers. Among the historic cellars, the Florio Cellars and the Donnafugata Cellars stand out. Open to the public, they offer guided tours with tastings. The suggestive Assuli winery, surrounded by nature, allows you to walk among the vineyards. Visits are available from Monday to Friday.
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ACTIVITIES TO DO IN MARSALA IN THE EVENING
The sunset in Marsala offers various leisure opportunities, including tasting local wines and cocktails at high-quality wine bars and bars, as well as frequenting pubs and nightclubs. For those who prefer a quiet walk, Lungomare Boeo offers a relaxing alternative, perhaps enjoying a delicious freshly prepared Sicilian cannoli.
THE SALINES OF THE STAGNONE LAGOON
The Saline della Lagoon represent an authentic natural oasis, located a short distance from our apartments. The brackish landscape of the salt pans, with its tanks, mills and ponds, offers a breathtaking backdrop, especially at sunset or dawn, when the luminous reflections on the water create suggestive plays of light. This area is inhabited by various species of water birds, such as herons and flamingos, which make this nature reserve even more fascinating, especially for birdwatching enthusiasts.
VISIT TO THE EGADI ISLANDS
From the Lungomare Boeo it is possible to admire the Egadi Islands easily. Various boats leave from Marsala for Favignana and the surrounding islands, also offering daily tours to explore the beauty of this small archipelago.
EXPLORATION OF MAZARA DEL VALLO
Just 30 minutes from Marsala is Mazara del Vallo, with African and Arab influences in the historic center known as the Kasbah. Rich in Mediterranean traditions, the city displays multi-ethnic architecture and invites you to explore the traces left by Phoenicians, Romans, Saracens and Normans. Mazara del Vallo is ideal for a cultural trip and to enjoy the crystal clear sea of its sandy and rocky beaches.
VISIT TO TRAPANI
Trapani, 30 km from Marsala, offers the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Sanctuary of the Annunziata, the Pepoli Museum, the historic center with Palazzo Senatorio and the Church of the Jesuit College, the Ligny Tower, the Colombaia Castle, and the Walls of Tramontana. A visit to Erice by cable car is recommended for suggestive views.
