Marsala, Coastal commune in western Sicily, Italy
Description
Marsala is a coastal commune at the western tip of Sicily where cobbled streets run from the harbor through the old center to Piazza della Repubblica. Low buildings of sandstone and tufa stretch along the waterfront while vineyards and olive groves cover the flat countryside inland.
History
The settlement arose on the ruins of the ancient Phoenician colony of Lilybaion, founded in the 4th century BC and later a major Roman port. In 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi landed here with his volunteers and began the campaign that led to Italian unification.
Culture
Its name comes from the Arabic Marsa Allāh, meaning Port of God, a reminder of medieval Moorish rule in Sicily. Locals gather in Piazza della Repubblica beneath the stone facades of the cathedral and baroque townhouses, while narrow alleys lead to traditional wine cellars that open their doors to visitors.
Practical
The old town is easy to explore on foot as most wine cellars and points of interest lie within a short walk from the main square. On summer days, sea breezes along the waterfront promenade provide relief from the heat while narrow streets in the center offer some shade.
Did you know?
In the Stagnone Lagoon north of town, salt has been harvested since Roman times using shallow pools still operated with traditional windmills. The briny waters reflect sunlight in shades of pink and red caused by microorganisms thriving in the salt pans.
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Mozia
8.4 km
Marsala Cathedral
116 m
Riserva naturale regionale delle Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala
7.8 km
Baglio Anselmi museum
755 m
Monumento ai Mille
368 m
Porta Garibaldi
80 m
Museo Archeologico Giuseppe Whitaker
8.2 km
Roccazzo
21.6 km
Palazzo VII Aprile
149 m
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
597 mBurg on Marsala
538 m
Santa Maria dell'Itria
700 mMuseo degli Arazzi
73 mConvento del Carmine
255 m
Villa Cavallotti
575 mChiesa Madonna della Cava
463 m
Complesso monumentale di San Pietro
269 m
Parco Archeologico di Lilibeo
745 m
Mozia imbarcadero Storico G.Whitaker
8.2 km
Motya Museum
8.2 km
Marsala lighthouse
1.2 km
Teatro Impero
504 m
Punta Tramontana
12.4 km
Mothia Island and Lilibeo: The Phoenician-Punic Civilization in Italy
8.2 km
Hypogeum Crispia Salvia
751 mMuseo risorgimentale garibaldino Giacomo Giustolisi
234 m
Spiaggia di Villaggio Greco
7.5 km
Spiaggia di Punta Parrino Sibiliana
9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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