Marsala is a coastal town with a rich marine history and a reputable standing in Italian wine. Its intriguing archaeological past and cultural traditions are showcased in the acclaimed museums decorating the historic center’s quaint alleys and piazzas. Learn about Marsala’s culture through its wine and historic institutions and churches.
Year-round dry weather and a warm climate gives the town ideal sightseeing conditions. Wander through the Old Town area to see the historic sights surrounding the majestic Piazza della Repubblica. Gaze up at the plaza’s gorgeous Chiesa Madre, the largest ecclesiastical site in the city.
In the evening, stroll around the piazzas and enjoy Sicilian delicacies, such as cannoli pastries and arancini stuffed rice balls. The most famous export here is Marsala wine, which can be sampled at the Donnafugata Winery. Delve into the historic cellars and pair local wines with regional cuisine.
Make your way to the northwestern corner of the town for the Museo Archeologico di Baglio Anselmi. Inspect the range of Roman and Carthaginian artifacts that reveal the town’s cultural past.
The museum has a video about the marine history of the region, which is known for the docking of the Garibaldi in 1860. Learn about this so-called Expedition of the Thousand, when Italian politician Giuseppe Garibaldi conquered Sicily to unify Italy. Gaze up at the impressive Porta Garibaldi, with its enormous arch and engraved Roman text.
A little farther south along the coast is the Marsala Ferry Terminal, which connects the town by boat to Favignana and the rest of the Aegadian Islands.
Find Marsala in the Trapani province on the western cape of Sicily, in southwestern Italy. Ride a train south for about 1 hour from the city of Trapani or rent a car to drive the 19-mile (30-kilometer) journey. Fly to the Palermo International Airport and drive southwest for more than 1 hour to get here.
Visit the dazzling port city of Marsala that brought together the nation of Italy.
