Paceco
Welcome to the Oriented Nature Reserve of the Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco!
Hello friends, are you ready to discover one of the most beautiful natural areas in Sicily? Today, I will talk to you about the Oriented Nature Reserve of the Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco: a magical place where nature and history blend together.
History
The history of this place dates back to the Phoenician era, but it was under the reign of Frederick II that the State monopoly on salt production was established. Later, under the Spanish domination, salt production reached its peak, turning the port of Trapani into the most important European center for the trade of this precious element.
With the advent of industrial competition in salt production and the Second World War, many of the salt pans were dismantled or abandoned. However, with the establishment of the Reserve in 1995, the area was entrusted to WWF Italy, which promoted the recovery and relaunch of productive activities and salt processing.
Territory
The Reserve covers nearly 1000 hectares between the towns of Trapani and Paceco. The coastal strip is divided into a Reserve Zone A and a Pre-Reserve Zone B, managed by WWF Italy.
The Reserve is also an important "Ramsar Convention" wetland area, providing refuge to numerous migratory bird species, and thanks to the salinity of the waters, it is one of the few places where the phenomenon of salt flowering can be observed.
Trapani's sea salt
One cannot talk about the Salt Pans of Trapani without mentioning Trapani's Sea Salt, a precious and beloved product worldwide. The processing of sea salt is still an activity carried out within the Reserve and represents one of the main sources of income for the local community.
Furthermore, Trapani's Sea Salt has been included in the list of traditional Sicilian agri-food products recognized by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies and has obtained the Protected Geographical Indication (European Union) with the denomination "Sale marino di Trapani".
Recreational activities
The Reserve also offers numerous activities for visitors, such as walking tours, guided tours of the salt pans and farms, birdwatching, cycling excursions, and cultural visits to the churches and historical monuments in the area.
Furthermore, the Reserve also hosts cultural and entertainment events, such as concerts, exhibitions, and performing arts shows.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Oriented Nature Reserve of the Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco is a fascinating place where nature and history come together to create an unforgettable experience. I recommend visiting it and tasting Trapani's Sea Salt: a unique flavor that will leave you speechless.
