Today we travelled from Palermo to Marsala.
Our excellent guide, Francesco.
8am start this morning driving west along the coast from Palermo. Olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields.
At about 10am we arrived in Trapani and a local guide was waiting for us near the port.
We began the tour at Piazza Garibaldi, the statesman responsible for the unification of Italy in 1861.
Two main cobbled streets form the town. Very impressive, combining the historic and modern.
Trapani was established by the Carthaginians in the 4th century BC.
The old fish market is now relocated closer to the port. Lemons, oranges, pomegranates - all grown in the area and fresh juices, granitas, gelatos all very popular in the summer heat.
The coastal wall from the medieval fortifications with the tower denoting the end of the town.
Lots of colour
St Lorenzo, the cathedral church, originally was a 13th century chapel but enlarged in the 1700s.
The statue of Our Lady of Trapani is actually a marble laser copy of the original statue.
The statue of Our Lady of Trapani is actually a marble laser copy of the original statue.
The Chiesa del Purgatorio was built in 1688.
It’s main function is to house fifteen large tableaux of the Stations of the Cross. These are carried by local labourers in the popular Good Friday procession - historical photo included.
We found a restaurant near St Lorenzo serving local delicacies, as recommended by Francesco, arancina rice balls and caponata. It is a Sicilian dish consisting of fried eggplant and other vegetables- and in this case, swordfish pieces - served with olive oil, tomato sauce, celery olives and capers.
The very attractive town hall at the end of one of the main thoroughfares.
At 1.45 we met the bus for a 15 minute ride to the local cable car, which took us all 700m to the hilltop fortress town of Erice. Wonderful views of the coast and countryside. Ancient architecture, many chapels, a monastery, a derelict castle, ceramic stores and a thriving tourist industry.
Map of Erice
A 45 min bus trip to our hotel in Marsala
Hotel President - a large travel hotel with not a lot of character. There is air conditioning, a restaurant and the pool area is very attractive and the water temperature just fine.
A set menu dinner by the hotel pool.
A set menu dinner by the hotel pool.
Balmy evening with good company.
M&M
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