Piazza della Repubblica is the main square of Mazara del Vallo.  Everyone crosses this space at least once a day.  We used it as our lunch destination, as there were charming cafés and pubs lining the streets leading to it, and even set on the square.  It seemed like no matter which street you turned onto, you stumbled upon more of Mazara’s beautiful painted tiles.Hit by a bomb in 1943, all that remains of the Church of Sant’ Ignazio, which dates back to 1701, is its shell, and the outlines of an altar or two.  Still, this is a place that I highly recommend visiting.  It is hauntingly beautiful.Once you step back outside, onto the city’s streets, another sort of beauty takes hold of you.  Walking around required no effort here, as there was always plenty to feast the eye on.  The Arco Normanno sits just off of the Lungomare, or the road that runs along the sea. 

Next up: more of our first day in Mazara del Vallo, including a visit to a deserted monastery!

Note: this blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations which may appear.