Mazara

The most exotic city in Italy

Mazara is the link between Europe and Africa.

At Mazara, you may have the feeling of being not in Italy: the architecture reveals an Arabic influence, as do its cuisine, language, the urban system and the names of the streets. Signs are often in two languages – Italian and Arabic – and many locals have features of the Maghreb.

It is an interesting mix that we will discover with a charming stroll in the city center.

We will explore the Arabic part of the city by visiting the neighborhood of the Kasbah, characteristic with its crooked alleyways and contemporary art works. There is also an interesting Jewish Quarter and a strong Cristian tradition, which we will better comprehend while visiting the ancient Cathedral and the Church of St. Ignatius.

Ancient history and modern stories intertwine in this colorful city: from the florid Middle Ages there are the remains of the Norman Arch, an ancient city gate.

Not only, but a few years ago a new element was added to the heritage of this intriguing city: a fishing vessel by chance discovered an impressive bronze statue on the seabed off the coast of Mazara: this superb art work is today acknowledged worldwide as a very rare example of ancient Greek sculpture and is on display in the new Satyr’s Museum.