Between dunes and windmills: here are the salt pans of Trapani
There is a place that connects Trapani to Marsala, where we seem to be suddenly catapulted into Holland because of the series of windmills. Instead, it is about the salt flats of Mothia, an ancient Phoenician city located in the reserve of the Stagnone.
This is the largest lagoon in Sicily, formed by underwater currents and sand movements. It stretches between Cape Boeo or Lilybaeum Cape St. Theodore and includes four islands: Isola Longa, the largest; Santa Maria, the most verdant; San Pantaleo, the most famous; and, finally, Schola, the smallest, characterized by uncovered cottages.
The lagoon became an Oriented Nature Reserve in 1984 because it is the ideal breeding and refreshment habitat for many animal species, such as pink flamingos, which gladly take refuge in the Stagnone or on Isola Longa to rest.
In addition, for several years now the north shore of Marsala has become the spot par excellence for lovers of water sports, such as surfing and kite surfing.
The origins of the lagoon
The Phoenicians were the first to build salt pans, taking advantage of the shallow, salty waters, which, thanks to high temperatures and strong ventilation to promote water evaporation, became a very rich source of salt, to be exported later to the Mediterranean.
It was clear early on the importance of salt in preserving perishable products, which ensured the success of saltworks. So much so that Frederick II, in the Constitution of Memphis made them a monopoly of the crown.
After the Normans, it was the turn of the Aragonese, who decided to privatize them. This was followed by the Spanish fostering an increase in the area’s economy, promoting Trapani as Europe’s most important center for salt production.
The windmills and salt pans of the Stagnone.
Thanks to a guided tour, it is possible to take a closer look at the characteristic element of this Sicilian landscape: the windmills, which stand out as you go deeper into the salt pans, among the sand dunes and ponds.
Dutch in style, the mills feature a truncated cone-shaped body to which sails are applied, reflecting on the water and creating a play of reflected light and shadow that sticks in the memory. With a complex system of gear wheels, shafts, and anchors, which allow the dome and consequently the blades to be oriented, wind energy can be harnessed to grind salt or convey water if the mill is placed between the tanks of the saltworks. The blades can turn at a high speed of about 20km/h developing about 120 horsepower.
During the month of June, it is possible to admire the crystallization of salt, and you can participate in its harvest until September.
Finally, the tour takes you to Isola Longa, a natural paradise where you can walk, hike and admire one of the most beautiful sunsets there is.
We are ready, are you?
Giulia Nari