2018 Adventures of Chris and Joe in Italy

The Marsala salt flats are quite a sight to see.... shallow salt water inlets with ancient windmills, and mounds of sea salt covered with terra cotta tiles.  A long time ago the windmills powered pumps that pushed the water out to sea so the salt could be harvested.  Now, the pumping is done by machine, but the area looks the same as it did a century ago.... Sea salt mound covered with terra cotta tiles... In the lagoon beyond the salt flats lies the Island of Mozia.  The island was settled in the 8th century B.C. by the Phoenicians as a trading post.  It was a fully developed city, surrounded by a stone wall.  Now, it has a museum and many archaeological sites, and is a great place for a nature walk. Boats to the island run every half hour.... Boat to the Island of Mozia... On the boat...  We walked the perimeter of the island on a beautiful, warm day, cooled by sea breezes.  Some things we saw on the island... ...

We ended the Sicilian portion of our trip in Marsala, staying five nights at Anna and Salvo's House, a self-catering apartment.  It was a great accommodation... large, comfortable, fully equipped, and centrally located.  Marsala is known for its famous wine, salt flats, and sunsets.... here is one view from our apartment.... We strolled the streets of Marsala with the locals, enjoyed the majestic city entrances and archaeological sites... Porta Garibaldi from inside the walls... And Porta Garibaldi from outside the walls... Porta Garibaldi and Chapel... Giuseppe Garibaldi, who led his 1000 Men into Sicily at Marsala in 1860, unifying Italy Porta Nuova... Orange trees overlooking excavations of ancient ruins... There was a great fruit and vegetable market near the apartment... how about eight sweet, juicy local oranges for one euro, about $1.25... We did a wine tasting at Cantine Pellegrino, which is along the Lungomare and ...

While staying at the Baglio San Nicola, we took a short 20-minute drive to Naro to visit the one famous site there... the 12th century Chiaramonte castle.  The castle is at the very top of the village, and to get there you wind your way up narrow streets barely wide enough for one car.  Driving to the castle is not for the timid, but arrive there we did.  There was a great heart-shaped "Welcome to Naro" sign made out of stone visible from the parking area.  We didn't know what to expect, since there was not a lot of information available about the castle, but the big front door was open, so we walked in.....   Welcome to Naro... The castle was built in the 12th century... A very nice man met us and asked if we would like a tour, and of course we said yes.  He asked if we knew about Naro's famous resident, and of course we didn't.  Well.... we were told that Naro is the home of Piero Barone, one of the three young men who make up ...