Explore the Piazza della Republica and view sculptures and religious art inside Marsala Cathedral, admire the fine architecture of the town hall or simply enjoy a glass of local wine in a café.
The Piazza della Republica has been Marsala’s cultural heart since Norman times, and remains a great place to start your exploration of the town’s shining marble streets. It was here in 1860 that the Bourbon Dynasty officially ended and Giuseppe Garibaldi declared himself dictator of Sicily.
Stroll along Via Garibaldi to see Palazzo VII Aprile on the eastern side of the square. The central bell tower is baroque while Arabic influences can be seen in the building’s arches. The palace is now used as Marsala’s town hall.
You can’t come to Marsala without paying a visit to the grand cathedral, located on the southern side of the square. There has been a structure here since the Normans laid the foundations, though the current building dates back to 1628. The church suffered damage during Word War II, but was restored during the 1950s. Before you head inside, take a moment to marvel at the twin bell towers either side of a set of beautiful figures that depict various saints. The interior is sparsely decorated though does feature some particularly splendid sculptures of the Virgin created by the Gagini brothers, Sicilian sculptors from the 16th century. Make sure to look out for the 15th-century Madonna of the People.
The Piazza della Republica is a pleasant spot at any time of day, but get up early one morning to experience the bustling fish behind the town hall. Choose something for dinner, or simply enjoy the spectacle of restaurant owners haggling with market sellers for the best price. Afternoons in the square see locals leaving their places of work and filling up the cafés.
The square is situated in the centre of town, a short walk from the bus station in Piazza del Popolo.
