Mazara del Vallo
Located in southwestern Sicily in the province of Trapani, the town named Mazara del Vallo (or Mazara, in Sicilian) steps forward with an innovation for Sicilian life: it represents one of the main ports of Sicily, that provides a thatch for the most impressive Italian fishing fleet. The town covers the south of Trapani, which makes it a neighbor of the Mazaro River.
Its history debuts in the 9th century with the Phoenicians that named the town Mazar. The same town was subsequently turned into a basic commercial harbor and center of learning during the Arab period. The town offers remnants of this era that is considered to have been the most flourishing of them all. These reminisces gather around the center, Kasbah, which proudly displays them to curious visitors.
The multicultural dimension of its inhabitants makes Mazara a cross-cultural but also controversial region. Still, it is one of the Italian cities that host at least 3500 immigrants, and these are only the registered ones. Given the great amount of foreigners, the government made a pacifist and equitable decision of reserving a seat for the representative of the Immigrant community. The educational system is also an example of political correctness as it ensures courses taught in Arabic and French, for the concentration of nationalities resides in Tunisians and people from other countries of the northern African Maghreb.
The touristic flux is not one of great importance. It is true that 1998 represented a moment of touristic increase due to a historic discovery. Apparently, the 100 miles wide Strait of Sicily that connects Sicily to Tunisia had been secretly hosting a bronze statue, Dancing Satyr (Satiro Danzante), alluded to the Greek artist Praxiteles. This would have been a rare phenomenon for whichever corner of the world, but it concluded a both rare and enriching phenomenon for Mazara. The discovery attracted an impressive amount of tourists and also a national advertising campaign, Mazara del Satiro, that disseminated the town all over the world.
The Old Norman Castle of 1073, the Royal Saint Nicholas Church (a token of the Norman architecture from 1124), the Seminary (1710), St Vitus on the Sea Church, they all make up the local archaeological realm. The scarce tourist flux aside, the town proudly presents its main and unique resources. And not only history creates attraction, but the local cuisine also. As an important fishing centre, just imagine the variety of dishes that chefs have to offer.
Both beautiful and delicious, the offerings of this town are enticing and also one of a kind.