The Western Coast

One of the things that surprises people about the province of Trapani, is in fact that along this strip of land deep in the Sicilian Channel there can be such a variety of history, culture and industry. Trapani, the chief town of the province which combines a shipping industry with the manufacture of salt marble is also a city of oenology and tourism. Trapani was in some respects isolated from the history of Sicily but has always been influenced by the various cultures, especially that represented by the period of enlightenment at the end of the 18th century; which led to the establishment of numerous cultural institutions. 

Near to Trapani lies Mazara del Vallo, in certain aspects a Frontier between Europe and the Arab world as reflected in its multiracial society. Instead Marsala which has a strong oenological tradition is best remembered as the place where Garibaldi landed with his 1,000 men. 

Erice with its medieval walls and streets, is the home of the Ettore Majorana Institute, a meeting place for scientists from all over the world, for years the main center of confrontation between Western and Eastern Scholars. 

San Vito Io Capo famous for its ancient tradition of fishing, in particular the Annual Netting of Tunny Fish. 

The "Zingaro", Nature Reserve untamed and dazzling in its beauty is a natural paradise for birds and fish. 

The "Valley of Belice" destroyed by the 1968 earthquake, looks towards a united Europe with towns such as Gibellina, a model of Urban Reconstruction. 

Economically speaking the province rests mainly on tourism and investment and hopes by taking advantage above all of the shipyards and preservation of foodstuffs to break away from the geographical isolation of the area. In fact there are now many firms from Trapani who have established relations with other countries. Trapani soon hopes to become the fourth University town in Sicily strengthening even more its cultural longings.