“Bagli” in western Sicily

Western Sicily never ceases to amaze. A fragrant and welcoming land during all seasons year round, thanks to a mild climate that is capable of attracting tourists for stays even outside the usual tourist season.

Seduction is intense in the Trapani countryside and of all Agroericino area, as is the renowned Salemi and all the Valle di Belìce. The coastal areas as well are captivating , from Castellammare del Golfo up to Mazara del Vallo, where you’ll fall in love with the sunsets of unparalleled beauty and the “bagli”, typical architecture of fortified farmhouses widespread in the countryside, once the heart of agricultural Sicily and now converted into charming residences.

Architectural structures that have remained faithful to their original layout, where one feels protected and pampered: an ample rectangular or square internal courtyard and large walls decorated with bougainvillea and jasmine, the large wooden door framed by the stone arch structure, surrounded by enveloping and regenerating nature.

Once the life of the “bagli” revolved around agricultural production. Today, many of these structures have been restored architecturally and converted into charming residences and refined agritourism centres. Visiting the “bagli” (and actually sleeping in them) means taking a plunge in history while being immersed in a fascinating and natural environment.

There are numerous historical “bagli” in the Trapani and Marsala areas. They have often kept their origins by becoming organic farms cultivating vineyards, olive groves, orchards and vegetables.

There are “bagli” in the heart of the Segesta Archaeological Park that represent an excellent starting point for an archaeological itinerary.

Or nineteenth-century farmsteads that crop up in the quiet hills among vineyards, vegetable gardens and orchards as far as the eye can see, amongst paths to be covered on foot or with the right bicycle.Some small lakes are added to the rural scenery and there is no shortage of swimming pools, in the “bagli” that are not located close to the sea, where one can cool off amidst beautiful nature.

Charming “bagli” can also be found in Castelvetrano, where you can taste the local extra virgin olive oil. The precious «yellow gold», of which Western Sicily boasts three DOP (Protected designation of origin): olive oil from the Valli Trapanesi, the Valle del Belice and the Val di Mazara.

In the San Vito Lo Capo area there are ancient structures that have been converted into agritourism centres with museum-rooms where ancient tools and anthropological evidence of agricultural activity are still preserved.

In Trapani oil and wine are still produced in some “bagli”, and breakfast is enjoyed in complete relaxation surrounded by shrubs of aromatic herbs.

Heading down towards Marsala on the «Wine road» (Strada del vino) you’ll come across a building that belonged to the Florio family, the most important among the families that made Marsala wine (the most prestigious of liqueur wines).

Finally, following the trail of the fragrant orange blossoms, we arrive in Paceco. An absolute must here are the cannoli made in Dattilo in the typical local pastry shop.

The last unmissable stop of the tour consists of the “bagli” with a view that ranges from the salt pans to the islands of the lagoon up to Egadi.

Thus, the “bagli” represent an important resource for this land capable of meeting tourists’ needs year round by focusing on olive oil, wine, and the typical culinary delights surrounded by the gentle slopes, the high lands and, of course, the sea, even out-of-season, thanks to cycling, trekking and kitesurfing enthusiasts.