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Mazara

Mazara del Vallo
Comune
Città di Mazara del Vallo
Church of San Nicolò Regale.
Church of San Nicolò Regale.
Coat of arms of Mazara del Vallo
Coat of arms
Mazara within the Province of Trapani
Mazara within the Province of Trapani
Mazara del Vallo is located in Italy
Mazara del Vallo
Mazara del Vallo
Location of Mazara del Vallo in Italy
Coordinates: 37°39′N 12°35′E / 37.650°N 12.583°E / 37.650; 12.583Coordinates: 37°39′N 12°35′E / 37.650°N 12.583°E / 37.650; 12.583
Country Italy
Region Sicily
Province / Metropolitan city Trapani (TP)
Frazioni Borgata Costiera, Mazara Due
Government
 • Mayor Nicolò Cristaldi
Area
 • Total 275 km2 (106 sq mi)
Elevation 8 m (26 ft)
Population (30 April 2009)
 • Total 51,359
 • Density 190/km2 (480/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Mazaresi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 91026
Dialing code 0923
Patron saint St. Vitus
Saint day June 15
Website Official website

Mazara del Vallo (Italian pronunciation: [madˈdzaːra del ˈvallo]; Sicilian: Mazzara) is a town and comune in southwestern Sicily, Italy, which lies mainly on the left bank at the mouth of the Mazaro river, administratively part of the province of Trapani.

It is an agricultural and fishing centre and its port gives shelter to the largest fishing fleet in Italy.

Mazara was founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC, with the name of Mazar (the Rock). It then passed under the control of Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, before being occupied by the Arabs in the year 827 AD. During the Arab period, Sicily was divided into three different administrative regions, Val di Noto, Val Demone and Val di Mazara, making the city an important commercial harbour and centre of learning. The city centre, known as the Kasbah, retains Arab architectural influences.

In 1072, Mazara was conquered by Normans, headed by Roger I. During that period, in 1093, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mazara del Vallo was instituted.


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