THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF WESTERN SICILY

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Sunday, 02 September 2007

The history and traditions of Western Sicily date back to 2000 years ago. A visit to the magnificent ruins of the Greek temples at Segesta and Selinunte is like diving into the past, while Erice offers the charm of the Medieval period and is, at the same time, a meeting point for scientists from all over the world. The magic island of Mozia and the salinas (salt pans) of Infersa complete the panorama of hidden treasures to discover in Western Sicily. To visit these marvels and to relax in the pool, the Spa or on the beach, there is nothing to beat a stay at the new Kempinski Hotel Giardino di Costanza, a wonderful 5-star luxury hotel that stands among rows of olive trees and vines. The resort is inspired by the architectural concept of the old Trapani “baglio”, or fortified farmhouse, and reflects the local culture and architecture with elegance and refinement. There are excellent specialities on offer in the gourmet “Dubbesi” restaurant, and a free shuttle bus takes guests to the hotel’s private “Lido Costanza” beach, which has its own restaurant overlooking the sea. The “Hidden Treasures” package offered by the Kempinski Hotel Giardino di CostanzaThe “Hidden Treasures” package includes: 2 nights in a double De Luxe room with views over the countryside; buffet breakfast; one three-course dinner (drinks excluded) by candlelight in our Dubbesi restaurant; use of the pool, sauna, and gym; a private car with driver for a maximum of eight hours; shuttle service to and from our private beach (from May to September). Prices for the entire package for two people start from 1,282 euros and are valid for the whole of 2007. The Kempinski Hotel Giardino di Costanza is in the province of Trapani, not far from Mazara del Vallo and easily reached from Palermo airport in less than one hour by motorway.  Mozia, a magical islandMozia is a very interesting destination for a short excursion from the Kempinski Hotel Giardino di Costanza. The small island is the site of a very ancient Punic settlement. The ancient historians tell of the siege and destruction of the settlement by Dionysius of Syracuse, in 397 B.C. Following the ruthless military operation, the surviving inhabitants fled to the main island of Sicily, where they founded Lilibeo, the present-day Marsala. The island of Mozia covers 45 hectares (about 100,000 acres), facing the salinas (salt pans), and is completely flat, with fertile soil and an excellent climate. The oldest remains were discovered during the excavations carried out by the English owner, Joseph Whitaker, in the early years of the twentieth century, and consist of warehouses used for commercial trade, necropolises and votive sanctuaries. In addition to remains from the old and new excavations, the Whitaker museum is home to the beautiful statue of the Charioteer being crowned with laurel, which was discovered in a kiln a short distance away. The island, which is situated about a kilometre from the coast, can be reached by means of a pleasant boat trip lasting about half an hour.  The majestic city of SelinunteAnother possible excursion from Mazara del Vallo is to Selinunte, which was a colonial city in Magna Grecia (650 – 409 B.C.) and was later an important trading centre for the nearby Phoenician city of Carthage in North Africa. The remains of four Greek temples can be seen in the Acropolis area and another three temples are situated on the western hill. A fifth temple was built on the Acropolis by the Carthaginians. A strong terraced wall beneath the Acropolis is all that now remains of the important defence system, which is striking for its geometric regularity. Apart from this unusual Greek and Punic mix that is a feature of the ancient settlement at Selinunte, there is the extraordinary scenic setting of the nearby Cusa Caves, the site where the Selinuntines used ingenious technology to extract enormous blocks of stone, still visible today, to construct the temples.  From the past to the future: from Segesta to EriceSegesta and Erice can be visited on a day trip from the Kempinski Hotel Giardino di Costanza. Situated on Monte Barbaro at 304 metres above sea level, Segesta, like Erice, was founded by the Elymian people (13th century B.C.). During the Hellenistic period it was allied with Athens, and was later subject to Carthage for a short period; after the Punic wars it acquired great importance and prosperity as a civitas libera romana (Roman free city) through its control of the nearby port, the present-day Castellammare del Golfo. The Temple in Doric style dates from 460 A.D., while amid the ruins of the ancient city nearby, visitors can admire the Greek amphitheatre, which faces onto a majestic panorama; plays are staged in these impressive surroundings every summer. Archaeological excavations are still underway to bring to light even more of the long history of this fascinating place.   Erice, situated at 750 metres above sea level, is now a charming medieval town with an inviting romantic walk to the Castello di Venere (castle of Venus), which houses the Altar to Venus Erycina from the 13th century B.C. Here there is an amazing view over almost the entire province of Trapani. This small town, which once extended as far as Monreale, is the home of the Ettore Majorana Centre of Scientific Culture, a place for meetings and encounters between scientists from all over the world.  The Kempinski GroupThe Kempinski Hotel Giardino di Costanza is part of the Kempinski Hotels group, which, in 2007, is celebrating 110 years of history, exclusivity and luxury. During this period, the Kempinski hotels have been host to international celebrities and have provided the setting for encounters between the most powerful people in the world, playing an active role in historical global evolution. Staying in one of the Group’s prestigious establishments in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia means experiencing the historical heritage of the Kempinski hotels at first hand. Together with five other famous brands – the Dusit Hotels & Resorts, the Landis Hotels & Resorts, the Marco Polo Hotels, the Omni Hotels and the Pan Pacific Hotels – the Kempinski Hotels have founded the “Global Hotel Alliance” to offer travellers opportunities for top quality hospitality throughout the world.  Kempinski Hotel Giardino di CostanzaVia Salemi km7, 100 - Mazara del Vallo (Trapani)Tel.: 0923 675000 Fax 923 670326E-mail info.mazara@kempinski.comwww.kempinski-sicily.com###A high definition photo archive can be downloaded at the following internet address:www.kempinski-sicily.com

 

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