Mazara del Vallo has a population of 52,035 and a total area of 27,559 hectares and rises on a flat area right by the coast, which offers a scenic view.
The town itself is of great importance to the Sicilian culture for the amount of fishing it provides as it offers 20% of the total produce each year.
It's lands are particularly fertile and provide great grapes, which make for a great tasting wine.
Mazara del Vallo was used as an ancient Phoenician port and it has maintained its importance throughout the years since the ancient period.
The town was actually an empororium when it was dominated by the Carthaginian, then by the Romans. It was later occupied by the Arabs which makes for a very diverse and unique culturual background, which provides an interesting experience for tourists.
The town appeared on national news in March 1998, when a statue made of bronze called the Dancing Satyr was discovered off the port in the Strait of Sicily. This unique piece of art just goes to show that there are still many ancient artifacts yet to be discovered. The statue is now on display to the general public in a museum in the city, after traveling to such art exhibitions as the Chamber of Deputies and in Aichi, Japan. It’s believe to have been created by the Greek artist Praxiteles. Because of this discovery, the city began experiencing a growth in tourism and a national marketing campaign was created in its honor.
Other than the Dancing Satyr statue, there are other historical attractions in Mazara del Vallo. One of the more prominent pieces is the Norman Arc, which is believed to have been created in the late 11th century. The arc was destroyed in 1880 so there are only ruins that remain, but it is still a popular destination.
The Piazza de la Republica and the San Niccolò Regale, or the Royal Saint Nicholas Church, are important attractions as well.
Other than the numerous cultural strong points, Mazara del Vallo is an ideal place for your next holiday. Thanks to it’s location on the sea, the city has some wonderful beaches to enjoy, with clear water and picturesque sand that would be seen on a postcard.
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