The best traffic-free bike rides in Trapani

The cathedral looks especially photogenic in the afternoon

Built in 1940, the village is part of an ambitious land reclamation project initiated by the regime to put an end to large estates and encourage the permanent settlement of peasant families, providing them not only arable land but also essential services. The village's architecture reflects the rationalist style typical of the era, with simple, functional buildings designed to meet the needs of the rural community. The central core included a church, a school, a fascist house, a main square, and several shops, along with housing for the settlers' families. Borgo Livio Bassi is one of the many rural villages built during the twenty-year Fascist period as part of the internal colonization policy. Today, although the village has lost its original function, it remains an interesting example of urban planning and architecture from the era.

The "Livio Bassi" hamlet in the hamlet of Ummari, in the municipality of Trapani, is part of the second series of rural hamlets built by the Sicilian Landowner Colonization Agency during the Fascist regime's "assault on the landownership," designed by architect Domenico Sanzone in 1940. The project included the Casa del Fascio (Fascist House), a Carabinieri station, a post office, a school, artisan workshops, a tavern, a church, and a small villa housing the PFN (National Fascist Party). The hamlet met the needs of the colonization effort, given the presence of several farmhouses in the area, "lacking the bare minimum for civil, social, religious, and political assistance." The hamlet was named after Livio Bassi (Trapani 1918-Libya 1941), an officer and aviator in the Royal Air Force. Today, the hamlet is abandoned, and only the church is used for Sunday services.

Entrance to Marsala in via Boeo.

The beautiful and characteristic landscape of the salt pans of Trapani.

A visit to Porta Garibaldi in Marsala is like a leap into the past. This imposing city gate, which once served as the main entrance to the city, bears witness to the region's turbulent history. It was here in 1860 that Giuseppe Garibaldi began his legendary march with the "thousand" soldiers to unite Italy. When you walk through the gate, you feel the historical significance of this place. The fine stone carvings, the Latin inscriptions and the impressive coat of arms that sits on the gate are real eye-catchers. The saying "Dominus custodiat introitum et exitum tuum" - "The Lord guard your entrance and exit" - reflects the protective function of the gate. A walk through the gate takes you straight into the lively center of Marsala, where cafes and shops line the narrow streets. The portal acts like a time machine: as soon as you walk through, modern life opens up, but you still have one foot anchored in the past.

If you're cycling and want to take a short break near Scopello, the viewpoint at the Faraglioni di Scopello is the perfect place. The striking cliffs rise impressively from the sea and are surrounded by lush vegetation. Even from up here, you have a fantastic view of the imposing rock needles that characterize the Mediterranean flair of the coast. If you want to park your bike for a moment, a short descent down to the water awaits you. There, crystal-clear water and a seabed that is perfect for snorkeling await you. Especially with a mask, you can fully enjoy the colorful underwater world – a short detour that is definitely worth it. The path there runs through the garden and costs admission, but offers stunning views of the sea. But be careful, especially in summer, temperatures can be high, so don't forget to bring plenty of water and take breaks in the shade every now and then.

Chapel of Saint Crescentia