Mazara del Vallo is a medium-sized city in South-Western Sicily, most famous for being one of the leading fishing harbour of Italy and the centre where the Dancing Satyr is hosted. It is part of the province of Trapani.
The inhabitants usually speak both Italian and Sicilian. However, most of them (especially the oldest ones) are definitely not proficient in English. There is also a large Arab community, originally from Northern Africa.
- The Dancing Satyr, a bronze statue discovered by a fishing boat, and almost immediately became the emblem of the city.
- The Norman Arc, that is the only remains of the old Castle, built during the flourishing occupation of Mazara by the Normans led by King Roger I of Sicily.
- The Casbah, the old city centre built up during the Arab period.
- Several churches, among others San Nicolò Regale and San Vito a Mare.
- Teatro Garibaldi, Via del Carmine. Built in 1849 and reopened in 2011 after a restoration, this theatre is a truly atmospheric place and well worth visiting. free.
The Dancing Satyr, a bronze statue discovered by a fishing boat, and almost immediately became the emblem of the city.
The Norman Arc, that is the only remains of the old Castle, built during the flourishing occupation of Mazara by the Normans led by King Roger I of Sicily.
The Casbah, the old city centre built up during the Arab period.
Several churches, among others San Nicolò Regale and San Vito a Mare.
Teatro Garibaldi, Via del Carmine. Built in 1849 and reopened in 2011 after a restoration, this theatre is a truly atmospheric place and well worth visiting. free.
During the summer period, the heart of Mazara moves from the downtown (Corso Umberto I, Piazza Mokarta, Piazza della Repubblica) to the Tonnarella beach, on the western side of the city.
As a relevant fishing centre, Mazara is also well known for its seafood-based cuisine. Fish is even commonly cheaper than other places in Italy.
The mazaresi, as well as the majority of Sicilians, have a good taste for wines: there are several local wine cellars and a number of wineshops in the city. However, in Mazara del Vallo is also located one of the few breweries of Sicily, Naxos.
- Marsala (20 minutes by train) is the most populated city in the province. It is home for the marsala wine, a historical city founded by the Romans, and a very active place.
- Trapani (45 minutes by train) is the capital city of the province. From Trapani, it is possible to reach Erice, a relevant touristic place and home for several world science meetings.
- Castelvetrano (25 minutes by train) is home of the Greek ruins of Selinunte, a must for the place.
- Pantelleria is a pretty beautiful minor island in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, with a very active nightlife during the warmer months of the year.