MARSALA

Marsala is a thriving little port on the westernmost tip of Sicily where the world famous Marsala sweet wine is produced thanks to the fertile red earth and sunshine. This is a town of baroque buildings, Roman ruins and a lively fish market.  The city was originally found by Phoenician escapees from the Roman onslaught. They fortified their new home with a 20 foot thick wall, ensuring that it was the last Punic settlement to fall to the Romans.  In AD 800 it was conquered by the Arabs who gave it its current name Marsa Allah ( Port of God).
Pictured above is the Florio winery which is one of the oldest producers in town. It was here that travelers from England discovered in taverns a fortified wine similar to port and realized it had commercial potential. Here people drink the dark, vintage Marsala, which is best sipped as a dessert wine with cheese, fruit or pastries. It is also used to flavor the local cassatelle cakes made from fried ricotta and cinnamon. And of course, who hasnt had that flavorful dish, chicken marsala which has become so popular in the states.

There is also Il Museo Archaeological in town which has displays of prehistoric gold jewelry, ceramics, as well as a preserved Punic Ship discovered in 1971. The ship is thought to have been constructed for the battle of the Egadi Islands in 241b.c. The picture above is a ceramic dated around 350 b.c. Some on display date as far back as 700 b.c.
Finally a picture of la casa. As you can see it has a nice airy living area  with 2 bedrooms both with balconies and 2 baths, a large backyard with a patio,  lounge chairs and a bbq.
Next up will be the towns of Cefalu' and Taormina!!!
Buon Giornata