Day Itinerary
10 Activities
Day 4
71 mi1 mi
A Sicilian Finale: Mazara del Vallo, Gibellina, and the Ghost Town of Poggioreale
On the last day of your journey, the itinerary will guide you through diverse landscapes, starting from the Arabic-influenced city of Mazara del Vallo on the coast, where you'll have the opportunity to try the famous red shrimp. From there, you'll proceed to the majestic land art masterpiece by Alberto Burri in Gibellina, before concluding your day in the ghost town of Poggioreale, exploring the ruins of the city.
8.5 mi
30 min
09:451 hr
Capo Feto
The day in Mazara del Vallo begins with a visit to the Capo Feto Natural Reserve, a coastal swamp that is a crucial site for bird migration due to its geographical position.
Since the mid-20th century, the passage of rare bird species has been documented here, many of which are now part of the collection at the Ornithological Museum.
In addition to this rich fauna heritage and the wild Mediterranean landscape, the reserve also boasts a stunning strip of fine white sand beach and Caribbean-like sea, making it a popular destination for kite surfers.
Since the mid-20th century, the passage of rare bird species has been documented here, many of which are now part of the collection at the Ornithological Museum.
In addition to this rich fauna heritage and the wild Mediterranean landscape, the reserve also boasts a stunning strip of fine white sand beach and Caribbean-like sea, making it a popular destination for kite surfers.
6.1 mi
25 min
11:155 min
Car Park
Leaving the wild beach and entering the city centre, you can park your car at the San Luca parking area. From there, enjoy exploring the city on foot.
0.3 mi
10 min
11:3030 min
Church of St. Francis
The earliest traces of worship at this site date back to 250 A.D., serving as a burial place for the first Christians.
Later, in 1093, the first building with a basilica plan was constructed, dedicated to San Biagio by Ruggero of Altavilla.
In 1216, a Franciscan convent was added adjacent to the church. However, it was not until 1680 that Bishop Francesco Maria Grifeo decided to transform it into a Baroque Church.
To visit the site, it is advisable to contact the diocese in advance by phone.
Later, in 1093, the first building with a basilica plan was constructed, dedicated to San Biagio by Ruggero of Altavilla.
In 1216, a Franciscan convent was added adjacent to the church. However, it was not until 1680 that Bishop Francesco Maria Grifeo decided to transform it into a Baroque Church.
To visit the site, it is advisable to contact the diocese in advance by phone.
0.2 mi
5 min
12:1545 min
Kasbah (Mazara del Vallo)
Upon entering the historical centre of Mazara del Vallo, you will encounter its Arabian quarter, the Kasbah.
This is one of the oldest areas of the city, founded by the Arabs in 827 after their arrival in Sicily. Their influence was significant in both the economic and cultural development of the city, introducing some of the most advanced fishing techniques of the time.
The impact of this population is still distinctly visible today in the streets of the neighbourhood. This is particularly evident in the multicoloured majolica decorations adorning the buildings, which blend seamlessly with the Baroque style.
This is one of the oldest areas of the city, founded by the Arabs in 827 after their arrival in Sicily. Their influence was significant in both the economic and cultural development of the city, introducing some of the most advanced fishing techniques of the time.
The impact of this population is still distinctly visible today in the streets of the neighbourhood. This is particularly evident in the multicoloured majolica decorations adorning the buildings, which blend seamlessly with the Baroque style.
0.2 mi
5 min
13:151 hr 30 min
Ammàri
Besides its rich history and stunning monuments, Mazara del Vallo is also famous for its gastronomic speciality: the red shrimp.
Known as ammaru russo in the Sicilian dialect, it is highly prized by chefs for its savoury taste, ideal for both raw and cooked preparations.
The Ammari restaurant is among the best in Mazara to savour this delicacy and experience the finest of Sicilian culinary traditions.
Known as ammaru russo in the Sicilian dialect, it is highly prized by chefs for its savoury taste, ideal for both raw and cooked preparations.
The Ammari restaurant is among the best in Mazara to savour this delicacy and experience the finest of Sicilian culinary traditions.
0.2 mi
5 min
15:0045 min
Dancing Satyr Museum
The Dancing Satyr is a symbol of the underwater heritage found in the Sicilian sea and an emblem of Mediterranean beauty, tracing its origins back to ancient Greek culture.
This bronze statue, crafted around the 4th century B.C., was discovered in two stages: initially, in 1997, the left leg was found, followed by the rest of the body, minus one leg, a year later.
Attributed to the artist Praxiteles, the statue captures the satyr in a moment of ecstasy, performing an orgiastic dance and holding a symbol of the Dionysian cult.
The statue is housed in the deconsecrated Church of Sant'Egidio, which today serves as a museum, preserving other archaeological treasures as well.
This bronze statue, crafted around the 4th century B.C., was discovered in two stages: initially, in 1997, the left leg was found, followed by the rest of the body, minus one leg, a year later.
Attributed to the artist Praxiteles, the statue captures the satyr in a moment of ecstasy, performing an orgiastic dance and holding a symbol of the Dionysian cult.
The statue is housed in the deconsecrated Church of Sant'Egidio, which today serves as a museum, preserving other archaeological treasures as well.
0.2 mi
5 min
16:0030 min
Cathedral of the Holy Saviour
This is one of the most significant places of worship in the city.
The Cathedral of the Holy Saviour was constructed between 1086 and 1093 at the behest of Ruggero I, fulfilling a vow made during his battle with the Saracens in 1072.
Over the years, it underwent various renovations. The first major work was carried out by Bishop Chiaramonte in the Renaissance period, which included the creation of the magnificent facade and the Chapel of Santa Maria del Soccorso.
Later, in 1690, it was completely transformed by the architect Pietro Castro into a Baroque cathedral with a Latin cross basilica plan.
As its opening hours can vary, it is recommended to check with the site in advance by making a phone call.
The Cathedral of the Holy Saviour was constructed between 1086 and 1093 at the behest of Ruggero I, fulfilling a vow made during his battle with the Saracens in 1072.
Over the years, it underwent various renovations. The first major work was carried out by Bishop Chiaramonte in the Renaissance period, which included the creation of the magnificent facade and the Chapel of Santa Maria del Soccorso.
Later, in 1690, it was completely transformed by the architect Pietro Castro into a Baroque cathedral with a Latin cross basilica plan.
As its opening hours can vary, it is recommended to check with the site in advance by making a phone call.
0.4 mi
10 min
16:405 min
Car Park
Return to the car park to collect your vehicle and continue the journey.
32.4 mi
1 hr
17:4530 min
Cretto di Burri
Leaving the coast and approaching the mainland, the itinerary stops in Gibellina, home to one of the most extraordinary and significant land art masterpieces in Europe, the Cretto di Burri.
The artwork is situated in the old centre of Gibellina, a part of the city that was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1968. Following this event, the town was rebuilt in another area, and on these ruins, the Cretto was erected by artist Alberto Burri.
The artwork, constructed between 1984 and 1989, involves a direct intervention by the artist in the landscape, in this case, a pathway created using white concrete blocks.
It is possible to visit the site by walking through the passages, akin to walking through the memories of a city destroyed by the tragic earthquake.
The artwork is situated in the old centre of Gibellina, a part of the city that was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1968. Following this event, the town was rebuilt in another area, and on these ruins, the Cretto was erected by artist Alberto Burri.
The artwork, constructed between 1984 and 1989, involves a direct intervention by the artist in the landscape, in this case, a pathway created using white concrete blocks.
It is possible to visit the site by walking through the passages, akin to walking through the memories of a city destroyed by the tragic earthquake.
24.2 mi
50 min
19:151 hr 30 min
Apud Jatum
On the way back to Palermo, the final stop is your dinner break at the restaurant 'Apud Jatum' in San Cipirello.
The restaurant, with a 20-year history, is renowned for its gourmet pizzas and traditional Sicilian cuisine, all prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Make sure to book your table online in advance.
The restaurant, with a 20-year history, is renowned for its gourmet pizzas and traditional Sicilian cuisine, all prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Make sure to book your table online in advance.