La Casbah

Western Sicily


At the northwest corner of the historic centre, this multicultural maze of narrow streets was once the heart of the Saracen city. The main thoroughfare was Via Bagno, which still has its hammam (public baths). Today the area is rundown but interesting, in large part because it retains a strong Arab connection through the Tunisian immigrants who now live here.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Western Sicily attractions

1. Museo del Satiro Danzante

0.16 MILES

The jewel in Mazara's crown, this museum revolves around its central exhibit, a bronze statue known as the Satiro danzante (Dancing Satyr), hauled from…

2. Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio

0.16 MILES

This early 18th-century church collapsed in the 1930s, but its roofless remains make a photogenic detour, with their circular colonnade of twin columns…

3. Piazza della Repubblica

0.19 MILES

Mazara's central piazza is an attractive space edged by elegant buildings, including the Cattedrale del San Salvatore, the two-storey Seminario dei…

4. Cattedrale del San Salvatore

0.23 MILES

With its glistening cluster of emerald-green, ceramic-tiled domes, the cathedral is an imposing sight. Originally dating to the 11th century, it was…

5. Castle

0.29 MILES

Just in from the waterfront, the ragged remains of Count Roger's Norman castle have definitely seen better days, but their forlorn ruination is…

6. Area Archaeologica di Cave di Cusa

8.02 MILES

Most of the buttery yellow stone used to construct the great temples of Selinunte was hewn at these ancient Greek quarries. The setting is charming –…

7. Porta Garibaldi

13.05 MILES

This old town gate marks the southern edge of Marsala's historic centre.

8. Palazzo VII Aprile

13.07 MILES

This lovely arcaded palazzo, formerly known as the Palazzo Senatorio (Senatorial Palace), is now Marsala's town hall.