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From Solunto to Marsala, along the nautical courses of the Phoenicians, the visitor encounters amazing heritage from Ancient Greek civilisations to the Middle Ages. |
| Solunto |
A fallback for the Phoenicians after the arrival of the Greeks, few relics remain of the original colony. The visible remains at Capo Zafferano are of Greek-Roman origin: multi-storied homes exploiting the terrain and frescoes combine with nature in this picture postcard setting. |
| Palermo |
 Another fallback for the Phoenicians, Palermo has limited heritage of these times, mainly preserved in the archeological museum. Other heritage lost at the hands of Catholic conquests are Arab constructions of the IX century. Yet, the culture remained as illustrated by architectural choices and the mosaics of Palazzo Reale.
Palermo has numerous other monuments which can be the object of their own itinerary. |
| Monreale |
 A few kilometers away, the Norman Cathedral of Monreale is an important work of the Middle Ages with significant frescoes and mosaics which were not destroyed, notwithstanding their Muslim and Jewish representations. Adjoining is one of Europe's most beautiful cloisters.
Further inland towards Sicily's Western coast are the two fabulous monuments of Segesta perched on a hilltop: a doric temple (Vth century B.C.) and a theater (IIIrd century B.C.) which easily recalls images of cultural events held here millennia ago. |
| Erice |
On the coast, Erice is geographically blessed between sky, sea and mountain. A religious centre of the Elimi, much of that heritage was run over by the Normans, as testimonied by the castles of Venere and Pepoli which were rebuilt above the ancient temples. |
| Trapani |
Of ancient Trapani little remains, save in the archeological museum; however the facing island of Favignana has interesting prehistoric caves and important monuments such as Forte S. Caterina. |
| Marsala |
On the island of S. Pantaleo facing Marsala, the last bastion of the Carthaginians in Sicily, important remains of Pheonician times dating back three millenia include the walls erected around the entire island, a necropolis and a tophet where ritual sacrifices were held. |
