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In the southwest corner of Sicily is the city of coastal fishing of Mazara del Valle with its unique combination of Italy and North Africa. If you are planning a visit to Sicily, I am here to help with my guide from Mazara del Valle.
Sitting closer to Tunisia, the capital of Tunisia, which Naples, it is not surprising to see the influence of North Africa in Mazara del Valle. Mazara del Valle is a coastal fishing city on the southwest coast of Sicily divided by two by the Mazaro River. Despite being one of the most important fishing ports in Italy, Mazara del Valle is beautiful in its own right and will find a unique combination of history, culture, ethnicity and, as with all things in Sicily, a great meal.
Mazara del Valle was founded in the ninth century BC. C. For the Phoenicians before being under the control of many empires, including Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans. It was under the Arabs that the city flourished, becoming the second city of Sicily behind Palermo and there is still a strong Arab contingent with the streets clearly influenced by years of Arab domain. The Normans, as they did in Sicily under King Roger, built impressive cathedrals and churches in their unique architectural style; A clear example of the king who seeks to appease many different ethnic groups that called Sicily his home. Mazara del Valle is a city whose diversity throughout history is exposed to those who are lucky to visit.
If you are planning a visit, let me help you with my guide from Mazara del Valle.
Discharge of responsibility: I spent seven nights in Sicily with five of them as part of a press trip with visit Sicily and Two Solo. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely mine.
A guide from Mazara del Vallo Sicilia
Kasbah – Islamic neighborhood
The highlight of Mazara del Valle is undoubtedly his Kasbah, the old Arab neighborhood. The labyrinth of streets and narrow corridors would make you think you are in North Africa, not in Italy. In fact, more than 3,000 Tunisians still live in Mazara del Valle and its surroundings. The best way to explore the Kasbah is on foot and simply get lost. It doesn’t matter which street wanders or what alley you choose to take, you will find beauty, either in the form of the architecture itself or the colorful ceramic tiles that represent the history of the city.
It will not take too long to explore the Kasbah, although there are guided tours available that will give life to this neighborhood with stories of history and the community that call this place home.
Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza Della Repubblica is the main square of Mazara del Valle surrounded by an impressive Normanda Cathedral, Iglesias and the Neozcasic Palazzo of the seminar with its 24 glorious arches. The square is a great place in itself to sit and see the daily sicilian life. I managed to get involved with some local children who spent a football ball, I saw a newly married boyfriend that two photographers captured his day and a drone and took, possibly, the best photo I have taken. I know it is a statement to make, but taking photos of people has always been my weakness in travel photography, so overcoming that and taking the portrait of this lovely Sicilian lovely smoking his cigar makes it even better.
Cattedrale del Santissimo Salvatore
The Cattedrale del Santissimo Salvatore is at the end of the Piazza della Repubblica and, as I described above, is impressive. Originally built in 1086 by the Normans, the cathedral underwent its most dramatic change in the 16th century, where it was renewed in its current baroque style. Mazara del Valle surprises visitors from each opportunity and his cathedral is no exception; It is a must on any visit to the city.
If I am honest, I was more impressed with the interior of this cathedral than of the cathedral in Palermo. The frescoes that paint on the ceiling are intricate and colorful, you will also find a silver altar and a historical wooden cross that dates back to the seemingly levitants over you.
Chiesa di San Nicolo Give
Drawing 1124, Chiesa Di San Nicolo Regale is a good example of Arab-Norman architecture that can be found in all Sicily. The Church is only small and reminded me of Chiesa San Cataldo in Palermo; I realized that I really like the mixture of what I had assumed that they were two completely different cultures and two different religions. This building has always been a church, but it would not be a silly to see the similarities with a mosque. Unfortunately, we could not access the interior, but we were lucky to have access under the church where you can see the ancient Roman mosiacs.
The city of 100 churches
Mazara del Valle is sometimes known as the ‘city of 100 churches’ and it is not difficult to see why. There are churches throughout the city and you will find many that are equally beautiful like the last. While I am not religious, I can appreciate architecture and facades, so I don’t mind having my eyes, so to speak. Some of my favorites in Mazara del Valle were found through walking through the streets of the city. The Chiesa Di Santa Veneranda was a particular culminating point, as did Chiesa Di San Calcedonio and the soothing square lined with palm trees that protects. Chiesa di Sant’Eignazio was one that we witnessed from above with the view of a drone; An oval church almost amphitheater like.
Ristorante L’Ante Sicilia
There are many excellent restaurants and places to eat in Mazara del Vallo, but my recommendation has to be a ristorant L’Ante Sicily in the heart of the old town. First, the location will leave you speechless; After wandering by Garibaldi with his many flashlights, he will reach a small square and the restaurant. Sit outside in this small place creates a unique atmosphere that I felt this restaurant raised to one of the best places to eat in Mazara del Valle.
We had the fish dish to begin with, which presented the red prawn distinctive of Mazara and the Cous Cous. To be fair, I am not a great fishing dining room, but I put on a brave face and I really enjoyed it along with the main paste of the “Busiate” style paste of Trapani.
How to get to Mazara del Vallo
I would recommend visiting Mazara del Valle on a trip through West Sicily for perhaps one or two nights. While renting a car in sicily to some would be discouraging, there probably is no better way to move and explore the island. Driving in Palermo definitely is not for those of weak heart, but I saw nothing bad on the main roads outside the city that would stop driving me. The nearest airport is in Trapani and is about an hour by car to the south from there (55 km) or approximately 90 minutes south of Palermo (130 km). There are also trains per hour of Palermo that only take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes for only € 9.20 and Trapani take about an hour for € 4.40.
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