Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WESTERN SICILY
Directly across the water from North Africa and still retaining vestiges of the Arab, Phoeni-
cian and Greek cultures that once prevailed here, western Sicily has a bit of the Wild West
about it. There's plenty to stir the senses, from Trapani's savoury fish couscous, to the
dazzling views from hilltop Erice, to the wild coastal beauty of Riserva Naturale dello
Zingaro.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Marsala
POP 82,300
Best known for its sweet dessert wines, Marsala is an elegant town of stately baroque
buildings within a perfect square of walls.
The city was originally founded by Phoenician escapees from the Roman onslaught at
nearby Mozia. Not wanting to risk a second attack, they fortified their new home with 7m-
thick walls, ensuring that it was the last Punic settlement to fall to the Romans. In AD 830
it was conquered by the Arabs, who gave it its current name, Marsa Allah (Port of God).
It was here in 1860 that Giuseppe Garibaldi, leader of the movement for Italian unifica-
tion, landed in his rickety old boats with his 1000-strong army - a claim to fame that finds
its way into every tourist brochure.
Sights & Activities
For a taste of local life, take a stroll at sunset around pretty
Piazza della Repubblica
, heart of
the historic centre.
Cantine Florio
( 092 378 11 11;
www.duca.it/cantineflorio
; Via Vincenzo Florio 1; tours €10; wine shop 9am-1pm &
3.30-6pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-1pm Sat, English-language tours 3.30pm Mon-Fri & 10.30am Sat year-round,
plus 11am Mon-Fri Apr-Oct)
These venerable wine cellars just east of town open their doors to
visitors to explain the Marsala-making process and the fascinating history of local viticul-
ture. Afterwards visitors can sample the goods in Florio's spiffy new tasting room. Take
bus 16 from Piazza del Popolo.
WINERY
