Trapani and Paceco
Salt Pans
Trapani
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Trapani and Paceco Salt Pans Nature Reserve is a protected area spanning nearly 1,000 hectares and includes the municipalities of Trapani, Paceco, and Misiliscemi. Established in 1995 and managed by WWF Italy, the reserve safeguards the ancient tradition of sea salt extraction, with historical evidence dating back to the Norman period. The landscape is marked by numerous windmills and water mills, as well as active salt pans. This ecosystem serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds—208 species have been recorded here, including flamingos. The highly saline environment also supports rare and distinctive flora, such as the marigold.
THIS PLACE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
The reserve holds significant landscape, architectural, and ethno-anthropological value, thanks to the presence of traditional mills and salt pans. One notable example is the Mulino Maria Stella, a 19th-century mill that now hosts a WWF welcome and information centre. The reserve also includes the Saline di Nubia, which is part of a regional cultural tourism route known as the "Via del Sale" (Salt Road), featuring a dedicated museum. The museum showcases traditional salt-working tools, historical photographs, and original artefacts, offering insight into the long-standing heritage of salt production in the area.