Chapter 4 - Trapani, Mozia
DAY
4
Trapani & the Island of Mozia
Day 4 - November 15, 2024
We ate an early breakfast at our hotel, Residence La Gancia which is located on the piazza of the old fish market in Trapani. The hotel rooms were modernized but there remained many original aspects of the building, such as partial stairs tucked into the rooms and public spaces. We were impressed and amused!
Our group's meet-up spot was the Venus statue outside the hotel in the piazza. After we gathered and accounted for our buddies, (mine = Joe, Kevin's = Maryann) we were driven to the Laguna dello Stagnone di Marsala for our short boat ride to the Island of Mozia. The island displays the ruins of the oldest Phoenician settlement in the Mediterranean. Our local guide today was Pina and she shared that the island is privately owned by the Whitaker Foundation. Guiseppe "Joseph" Whitaker bought the island in 1902 and oversaw the archaeological digs on the island. The museum named after him houses an extensive collection of Phoenician artifacts collected in the excavations.
It was another blue sky day and ideal for walking the island to see the remnants of the ancient city of Motya, now known as Mozia. We saw more artifacts in the museum, including the rare 2,500-year-old classical Greek statue named the Motya Charioteer. The group was treated to a buffet lunch before we loaded the boat for our ride back to the mainland ferry station. Our visit ended with a tour of the mill and gift shop of Saline Ettore and Infersa.
Buon giorno!
(Good morning!)
That striking pose and its beauty make this my favorite museum artifact!
WOW!
Once back on the mainland, we learned more about the salt pans.
We found the expansive area of the salt pans fascinating. In the Ettore and Infersa Saline Mill, we watched a video that presented the history and the process of sea salt cultivation in the area. We were able to climb up the old star (Dutch) mill before browsing the gift shop. Today's tour experience provided us with lasting memories and some of my favorite photographs.
 |  |
|---|---|
 |  |
 |  |
Let's Take a Walk
The ancient salt pans of western Sicily have existed since the reign of the Phoenicians about 2700 years ago. Salt, as a preservative, has played an important role in the daily life of thousands of people through many generations. Today, the salt produced In this area is for a specialized market, such as gourmet chefs who swear by the salt’s unique qualities.
Day and night shots in Trapani
Our waiter let us use his phone to read the menu since they don't have physical menu's and we couldn't connect to WiFi.
17,905 Steps
Trapani
After returning from the salt pans, the two of us ventured out on a walk through Trapani before, during and after sunset. Trapani is beautiful at all times of the day and night! We had gelato at Gelateria Meno Tredici as recommended by Stephanie and my habit of choosing a pistachio flavor continued.
As sunset approached, we headed to Ligny Tower (Torre di Ligny), per Rick's recommendation. Rick lists it as "Trapani's top sunset spot— it's so romantic, you might have to find someone to kiss." I went a little crazy with my sunset photo shoot but Kevin was very patient and therefore received a kiss!
Off on our own for burgers and fries at Il Barbagianni
