Discovering
Marsala
Marsala is the fifth largest city in Sicily in terms of population. Two interpretations alternate on the origin of its name: some scholars claim that it derives from “Marsa Alì,” or “Port of Ali,” while others believe that the name goes back to “Marsa Allah,” “Port of Allah.”
The city’s historic center, otherwise known as “Cassero,” retains intact the charm of past centuries. This can be understood by visiting the Archaeological Museum and admiring the ancient remains, evidence of the civilizations that populated it in its past ages. Entering the churches, from the Cathedral to the Church of Purgatory to get evidence of the deep religious culture. Breathing in the scent of the Mediterranean from whose depths one of the city’s sources of wealth is extracted and processed…salt. Or sipping wines from the grapes that its land produces and tasting the culinary delights that the palate cannot give up.
Traditions
Marsala is the ideal city for those who want to touch on Sicily‘s oldest culture and traditions.
In every corner of the city you can smell the scent of history that surrounds, envelops and creates it…you can feel it by walking through its historic center and passing through its ancient gates. It is enough to visit the Archaeological Museum to realize how far back in the centuries its origins are.
The sacred and secular traditions then come together over the course of the seasons to celebrate events that anyone who wants to experience Sicily cannot miss.
On January 19, the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Quarry, is celebrated and carried in a procession along the streets of downtown.
St. Joseph is celebrated with a triumph of typical sweet preparations: from sfincioni di San Giuseppe, to cubbaita and “panuzzi.”
Not to be missed are the Holy Week processions that prepare for Easter, particularly the Holy Thursday procession that theatrically retraces the Christian Passion in a procession through the city.
And not to be forgotten are the typical Garibaldian events in the month of May that celebrate the hero of the two worldsand his Thousand each year.
Then pause to sip a good wine while admiring a glimpse of the landscape, because…To live Marsala is to relive history!
Events
The Best Western Hotel Stella d’Italia invites you to discover the events scheduled in Marsala during your stay. Don’t miss the Holy Week processions that prepare for Easter, especially that of Holy Thursday which, in a procession along the city, theatrically retraces the Christian Passion.
And not to be forgotten are the typical Garibaldian events in the month of May that each year celebrate the hero of two worlds and his Thousand.
Itineraries
Marsala is rich in sites worth discovering.
Wine cellars are a short distance from the hotel, and it will be a pleasure to book a guided touror wine tasting for you at Cantine Florio, Donna Fugata, Pellegrino, Caruso & Minini and others.
You can reach the Cathedral, the Tapestry Museum, the Garibaldino Museum and the Baglio Anselmi Archaeological Museum in a few steps.
And to end your day in the best possible way, aperitif in one of the many bars located along the main street, dinner in one of the restaurants or trattorias a few meters from the hotel, and…for after dinner we suggest you visit one of the most characteristic places in the historic center: the Old Market. At sunset, during the warm season, the city fish market transforms to welcome lovers of the movida marsalese among its characteristic pubs to sip a good cocktail and listen to lots of good music.
For lovers of kite surfing, Marsala is ideal. Along the North Coast, in fact, in addition to admiring the breathtaking beauty of the Stagnone Reserve at sunset, it is possible to practice this sport thanks to the favorable winds that make the area a favorite destination for Kite enthusiasts.
And perhaps, you can continue until you reach the Imbarcadero that will take you from the mainland to the archaeological islet of Mothia. In whose museum is housed the famous Giovinetto, a world-renowned archaeological find.
The city is located at a strategic point from which to visit the most interesting places in the area.
Mount Erice, a fascinating medieval site, is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) away, but if you want to make your route even more distinctive, we recommend taking the cable car from Trapani that will take you to the top in just a few minutes.
Segesta and its archaeological sites are 50 km away. Instead, about 70 km away is the beautiful beach of San Vito Lo Capo, home of the world cous cous competition that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
On the southern side a must stop is Selinunte con its temples and archaeological areas.
And if you don’t want to miss the crystal-clear sea and unspoiled nature of the nearby Egadi Islands, just hop on one of the hydrofoils from the nearby marina that will take you to the island.