Mazara: a gateway to the sea

Some findings testify to the fact that the City already existed as a Phoenician port of call.
But it was not until the Arab domination, precisely because of its location, that Mazara reached its greatest splendor.
In fact, the wise Arab government succeeded in exploiting the potential of the Mazara port to the fullest by increasing traffic, to and from the city, so much so that it became one of the most important centers in Sicily.

Mazara then also became the capital of one of the three valleys into which they had divided the island: Val di Mazara in the central-western part, southeastern Val di Noto, and Val di Demone in the northeastern part.

The city’s economic growth also brought with it population growth.
The Arab period thus also dates back to the urban layout of a city of narrow streets, elegant and embellished with walls, mosques, monumental buildings, baths and gardens of which little remains today, however.

The Arabs were later replaced by the Normans , to whom we owe the construction of the Cathedral and the Castle, of which today it is possible to admire only a beautiful double-ringed ogival arch.
In 1093 one of the largest bishoprics on the island was established here.
Subsequent dominations unfortunately only destroyed and impoverished the great heritage that had been created in previous centuries. The city then headed toward a slow decline.

Since the mid-19th century there has been a revival of agricultural activities and especially those related to the fishing industry, which have breathed new life into the town.
Today the city boasts one of the most important fishing fleets nationwide.