Marsala Tourist Attractions
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CommunicationsSS 115 Agrigento-Trapani; railroad station. Ship connections (hydrofoils) to Trapani and Pantelleria. Airport Trapani-Birgi (15km/9mi), connections with Rome and Pantelleria.
Piazza della Repubblica
The center of Marsala is the Piazza della Repubblica on the long road axis which cuts through the town from northwest to southeast (Via Vittorio Veneto - Via XI Maggio - Via Calatafimi). On one of the narrow sides of the square stands the Palazzo VII Aprile, built in the 16th century with a light round-arched loggia and a dominating central tower.
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Chiesa del Purgatorio
Leaving the tapestry museum in Marsala we come to a small square with the high Baroque facade of the Chiesa del Purgatorio (1701), which today is used as the Saint Cecilia auditorium.
Other Sights
From the Piazza della Repubblica in Marsala the Via Garibaldi leads in a southwesterly direction, first taking us to the Municipio (in a Spanish Palazzo Porta Garibaldi dating from 1576) and then on to the Porta Garibaldi (previously the Porta di Mare), which was built in the 17th century in the form of a Roman triumphal arch. Directly next to it stands the Baroque church of Sant'Addolorata.
San Pietro
Leaving the Piazza della Repubblica in a northwesterly direction - Via XI Maggio - we pass the convent church of San Pietro (1569) with its massive rectangular tower, whose helm roof is covered with majolica (it has been restored). A little further north on the other side of the street stands the former Jesuit college, the church of which at the present time has on display works by contemporary artists which will, however, eventually be moved to the Lilibaeian Museum.
Porta Nuova
At the end of the street is the Porta Nuova, which was erected in 1789 and in front of which lies the Piazza Vittoria. To the north is the narrow rectangular park of the Villa Cavalotti, with remains of a Spanish bastion alongside it.
Insula Romana
Below the belvedere and along the Viale Vittorio Veneto, which continues the line of Via XI Maggio, are remains of the ancient Lilybaeum, including fragments of the town walls. Off the road to the right are the ruins of the Insula Romana, living quarters of the A.D. third century, with a fine animal mosaic in the associated baths. From the end of the avenue there is a beautiful view of the sea and the coast; and from Capo Boeo or Capo Lilibeo, a little way southwest, there are more extensive views northeast over the old harbor to Monte Erice and northwest of the Isole Eàgadi.
Museo Nazionale Lilibeo
The Lilibaeian National Museum in Marsala lies on the shore road directly by the Capo Boeo. It is housed in the former Baglio Anselmi. By the name Baglio reference was originally made to the feudal seats of the nobili of Marsala; of these about 70 in the region have been preserved. The Archeological Museum was opened in 1985 and consists of two large halls fitted out according to modern theories on museological instruction. In the left-hand hall finds are on display from Marsala (Lilybaeum), Mozia and the surrounding area. The exhibits are arranged chronologically clockwise around the hall; they range from prehistory to the Norman period and include Punic burial monuments, Apulian-Sikelotic ceramics and Roman architectural remains which consist of limestone fragments covered in white stucco, while in the middle of the room there is a mosaic floor and a large model of Roman Lilybaeum.The right-hand hall is dominated by a 35m/115ft long Punic ship dating from the third century B.C., which was found in the sea at Mäzia and has been reconstructed. It is housed in a specially climatised tent. Around it reconstruction sketches, photos of the finds being discovered, as well as the find themselves, provide informative adjuncts to the main display. In addition further underwater finds are due to join the existing exhibits.The contemporary art collection at present housed in the church of the former Jesuit college is also due to transfer to this building. At the present time, however, no date has been fixed.
San Giovanni
To the south of the museum in Marsala in open country stands the church of San Giovanni. This simple building with a doorway dating from 1555 replaced a fifth century early Christian church from which came the present font. According to local tradition, this belonged to the ancient oracular shrine of the Sibyl of Lilybaeum; this prophetess was apparently, in contrast to other divinely gifted seers, such as the Erythraeian one or the prophetess from Cumae, of only local significance.
Roman Column
On Capo Boeo in Marsala stands a single Roman column, the inscription of which recalls both Scipio Africanus, who set out from here on his devastating attack against Carthage, and Garibaldi's landing on 11th May 1860.
Fountain
Mention should be made of the fountain of Salvatore Fiume (1982), which recalls the importance Marsala's more recent development. It is to be found on the Piazza Francesco Pizzo, to the south of the station, at the junction of Via Mazzini and Via Crispi.
Surroundings
Salemi
LocationThis little town in western Sicily, 38km/23.5mi east of Marsala, suffered very badly in the 1968 earthquake. It lies on what was probably the site of the Elymian town of Halyciae. In the Middle Ages Roger I erected a castle which was extended by Frederick II. More recently it became known through Garibaldi, who declared himself dictator of Sicily here on 14th May 1860, three days after landing in Marsala.
Castle Museum
The castle in Salemi displays three impressive towers and inside has rooms with Gothic vaulted ceilings. It now houses the Museo del Risorgimento, with memorabilia of Garibaldi's time.
San Michele
The church of San Michele Arcangelo in Salemi is a fourth-fifth century Early Christian basilica with Byzantine mosaics and Greek inscriptions. It has a font dating from 1464 as well as a marble statue of Francesco Laurana.
Map of Marsala Attractions
