A long nail biting, seat of the pants drive in the little Panda for 407km all on the SS115 which hugs the bottom of the SE and SW of Sicily.
Few interesting sights along the way, mainly bridges over huge valleys, fields of vines, olives and oranges (all of which Jo failed to capture on the camera- such was the intent of Sarah to reach our destination before nightfall)
We did pause for a coffee at Castello di Falconara. This castle is perched on a cliff overlooking the Med only to discover that we had forgotten to ring ahead (open by appointment only, naturally!)
Onwards and at speed , whizzing past Agrigento (with a great fly past viewing of the temples) and finally after 4 hours we reached the archeological site at Selinunte.
Yet more Doric temples and parts of columns strewn all over the site.
This time no big tourist buses and as we arrived at lunchtime, we virtually had the place to ourselves.
These Greek and Phoenician ruins date from 7th Century BC and have a similar chequered history.
Destroyed by Carthage (a huge north African empire based in modern day Tunisia) in 409BC, this site was forgotten as the two rivers either side of it silted up and locals used the stones to construct their own town and cemetery (necropolis) on top of it.
We enjoyed the freedom to roam around the ruins as we liked but wondered why it was allowed considering most of the site has not yet been excavated fully.
The site was located very close to a sandy beach and another small village so quite a scenic spot.
Tipped off by Jo’s physiotherapist Beatrice (a Sicilian) we headed for Mazara Del Vallo. Quick search on Wikipedia:
"Mazara was founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC, with the name of Mazar (the Rock). It then passed under the control of Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, before being occupied by the Arabs in the year 827 AD”
If you add "occupied by Spanish, French, Austrians, Germans", you have a quick list of the number of times someone has arrived to boss around the locals.
It is now a fishing town but instead of fish we found a truck selling yellow melons (seen throughout this area) 2 euros a bucket
Mazara Del Vallo has a peaceful feel to it and there are some great open spaces.
Close to the Norman arch we found an interesting use for ceramic tiles on steps.
There are also some beautifully restored buildings including the Basilica and Kasba.
The area feels like there is still work in progress with buildings and one Museo (Satiro) under reconstruction.
Sarah managed to find her way into a Jesuit monastery complete with half naked statues on the doorway. Are they warding off evil spirits?
Next step Marsala to search for a couple of Cantine, Florio and Pellegrino. We found one (well signed) and missed the other (no signs) By 6pm both of us wanted a rest and for once we both declined the opportunity to taste wine.
Arriving at Fontanasalsa, we found the hotel had overbooked and we were shunted off to the place across the road. Not a great ending to our Giro Di Sicilia. Fortunately the owner was far more friendly and welcoming and we were presented with 2 small bottles of Olive oil as parting gifts.
Olives dominate this area and harvesting begins in a few weeks!
We have already seen trucks loaded with grapes heading off to be processed.
We are off home today so will do a final wrap up tomorrow.
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