Between Ancient Sails and Temples by the Sea: Ciro and Annamaria Discover Marsala and Selinunte
The journey through Sicily continues, and each stop seems to surpass the previous one. After days among temples, sea, and mountains, today it's the turn of the far west of the island: Marsala, the city of wine and Garibaldi's history, and in the afternoon, Selinunte, home to one of the most evocative archaeological parks in Europe.
Ciro and Annamaria greet us with their usual enthusiasm in the lobby of the Trapani hotel, from which we depart today. Our driver greets them with a smile, ready to guide them on a new itinerary by Sicily Car Service.
“This part of Sicily intrigues us a lot,” says Annamaria. “We read that there’s a real Carthaginian ship in Marsala!”
“And then there’s Garibaldi!” adds Ciro. “This city changed the history of Italy.”
Our driver nods: “And in the afternoon, I’ll take you to a timeless place. Selinunte will leave you speechless.”
The Road to Marsala: Among Vineyards and Salt Pans
Our car glides silently along the southwest coast of the island, among stretches of vineyards, rows of olive trees, and salt pans that reflect the sky. The beauty of the landscape is relaxing, and the comfort of our service allows Ciro and Annamaria to enjoy the view without worries.
“Traveling with you is like being in first class, but on wheels,” jokes Ciro. “And every stop is a masterpiece.”
Marsala: Where the Wind Blows Between History and Sea
We arrive in Marsala around mid-morning. The elegant and luminous city welcomes us with its Spanish walls, noble palaces, and paved squares that seem to dance under the sunlight.
The first stop is the Baglio Anselmi Archaeological Museum, housed in an ancient winery overlooking the sea. Here, carefully and proudly preserved, is one of the only two Carthaginian ships existing in the world, dating back to the First Punic War (241 BC).
“It’s extraordinary,” says Annamaria, observing the carefully reconstructed keel. “It’s like seeing time sculpted in wood.”
The ship was found in the 1970s on the nearby seabed and is a find of unique value. Next to it, models of anchors, tools, amphorae, and on-board instruments tell us about the life of the Punic sailors who navigated these waters.
“To think that the destiny of the Mediterranean was fought right here,” reflects Ciro. “Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans… everyone passed through this coast.”
A Dive into the Risorgimento: The Landing of the Thousand
We continue towards the historic center. Between light stone arches and pedestrian streets, Marsala reveals its Risorgimento soul. It is here that, on May 11, 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi landed with his Thousand, starting the unification of Italy.
The Piazza della Repubblica, with its Duomo and outdoor cafes, is the beating heart of the city. In one of the side streets, a plaque commemorates the landing.
“I can imagine the scene,” says Ciro. “The boats, the wind, the red shirts, and the future of Italy beginning from this coast.”
Annamaria smiles. “And it’s beautiful to discover these places calmly, without having to worry about parking or schedules. Traveling with you makes everything richer.”
A Stroll Through the Beauties of the Center
The city is a perfect blend of past and present. We stroll along the Corso XX Settembre, visit small artisan shops, taste local sweets in a historic pastry shop, and admire the Church of Purgatory with its scenic facade.
“It’s an elegant city,” says Annamaria. “And not very chaotic. Perhaps one of the most surprising we’ve seen so far.”
Lunch Break with a View of the Egadi Islands
Lunch awaits us in a restaurant overlooking the sea, with a view of the Egadi Islands. We taste fish couscous, Marsala-style tuna, and a glass of dry Marsala wine, amidst stories, photographs, and laughter.
“I didn’t think a dessert wine could pair so well with fish,” comments Ciro.
“It’s a land that knows how to surprise even at the table,” adds our driver, who joins us for a coffee before our departure for Selinunte.
The Archaeological Park of Selinunte: Between Ruins and Sea
After about an hour’s drive, we arrive at the majestic Archaeological Park of Selinunte, in the territory of Castelvetrano. The area is vast: over 270 hectares directly overlooking the sea.
“It’s one of the largest archaeological parks in Europe,” explains the driver. “And one of the most fascinating. Get ready.”
We enter the park and immediately find ourselves in front of the Eastern Temples, among which the perfectly preserved Temple E, dedicated to Hera, stands out with its soaring Doric columns.
“It’s like going back to the 5th century BC,” whispers Annamaria.
“And the sea there, just a few meters away. It must have been a sacred and powerful place,” adds Ciro.
Legends say that Selinunte was one of the richest colonies of Magna Graecia, founded in the 7th century BC, but destroyed by the Carthaginians in 409 BC after a bloody siege.
“Imagine that, at the time of its greatest expansion,” says the park guide, “Selinunte had over 100,000 inhabitants. It was a metropolis of the Mediterranean.”
We continue aboard an electric shuttle to the acropolis, where the ruins of other temples, altars, fortifications, and houses are located. All framed by a breathtaking landscape.
“Here the ruins seem alive,” says Annamaria. “Maybe because of the sea, maybe because of the wind, maybe because of the silence…”
We stop to observe Temple G, one of the largest of antiquity, although today only a few columns still stand tall.
“It was as tall as a 10-story building,” explains the guide. “A marvel of classical Sicily.”
Sunset Among the Ruins
The late afternoon light colors everything gold and orange. The sun slowly dips into the sea, and the columns cast long, ancient shadows.
Ciro photographs non-stop, while Annamaria sits on a stone block, in silence.
“I’d like to stay here until night,” she says softly. “This is one of those places that gets into your soul.”
The Return Journey: Emotions and Gratitude
We get back in the car, welcomed by the comfort and tranquility that only a journey with Sicily Car Service can guarantee. During the drive back to the hotel, the conversation is light but full of emotions.
“Today was one of the most complete days of our trip,” says Ciro. “Ancient history, modern history, beauty everywhere.”
“And once again, without stress,” adds Annamaria. “We went up, down, discovered, listened. And we never had to worry about anything.”
Marsala and Selinunte: Two Faces of Great Sicily
With Sicily Car Service, every itinerary becomes a tailor-made experience: from the Carthaginian ship to the temple by the sea, passing through wine, legend, and the light of sunset.
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