The Mill

“The Mill, a true jewel of industrial archaeology,
has been made even more interesting and attractive through the creation of a multimedia and interactive trail.”

Among the most recognizable symbols of the city of Marsala, of Trapani and certainly of Sicily, thanks to a skillful conservative restoration both structural and mechanical, the Ettore and Infersa Saline Mill is still functioning today. During the months of July, August, and September, twice a week, it is put into operation so that it can be admired in the scenic beauty of the salt marshes-a true historical and architectural beauty of industrial level. White sails cover the six blades capable of thus “catching” the force of the wind. Turning activates a centuries-old mechanism that rotates the stone millstones inside the mill body at a rate of more than 100 rpm. The gear wheels that trigger the millstones were made entirely of wood by Paolo Stampa, Mastru Liddu, one of the last of the Trapani shipwrights. Thanks to his knowledge and experience in woodworking, he was able to design the complex wooden mechanism of the Mill and especially put it into operation. Today the Ettore and Infersa Salt Mill represents a true masterpiece of industrial archaeology from the 1500s.

NB: It is possible to put the mill into operation upon request.

VISIT THE MILL

The interior of the facility can now be visited and, with modern multimedia support with touch screens and 3D animations made specifically for the salt pans, the user will be able to understand the workings of the Mill and the Salt Works, the process of Sea Salt cultivation, and the Salina ecosystem, one of the few and perfect conjunctions between man and nature.

INFORMATION AND VISITING HOURS

December 1 to January 7 and March: 9:30 – 15:30
January 8 through the end of February: open by reservation only
April, May and October: 9:00 – 19:00
June to September: 9:00 – 20:00
November: 9:00 – 17:00

THE CULTURE OF SALT

Almost three thousand years of salt marsh work have ingrained in the population of the Trapani coast a true “salt culture.” The “know-how” acquired is an intangible heritage of great value, summarized by the phrase that Voltaire already, more than two hundred years ago, wrote:” Those who really want to discuss salt pans must come here, to the west of Sicily[…] old, very old salt pans, founded alreadỳ by the Phoenicians.” And over time this know-how has been exported throughout the Mediterranean and beyond: to Tunisia, Libya, Eritrea, all the way to Yemen, the Trapanians’ way of making salt has made school and culture.”

Passion and dedication
Passion and dedication
Passion and dedication

CLIMBING EXPERIENCES

Passion and dedication
Passion and dedication

The Mill

The Ettore and Infersa Salt Pans, created in Phoenician times, are the undisputed protagonists of our thousand-year history. A living testament to an ancient and valuable craft and product: the saltmaker and sea salt. One element that dominates the scene is the majestic and unmistakable Mill with its six large blades-unique of its kind-and its red pointed dome. For centuries and still today, during salt harvesting periods and by the sheer force of the wind, the blades of our mill turn, activating a mechanism that sets in motion large, ancient stone millstones that have ground, and continue to do so, enormous quantities of salt crystals. Today, thanks to a skillful conservative restoration, it is possible to access the interior of the mill; observe its complex working mechanism, made with the use of precious woods, such as Oak, Chestnut and Guajaco (or holy wood); and enjoy specially created multi-lingual multimedia paths that will help you understand the complex workings of a salt mine, one of the few modern industries with an almost zero impact, since it is based on the use of natural resources (and energy): sea, sun and wind.

Jan. 8 to Feb. 28: reservation only

March: 09:30 -15:30

April and May: 9:00 – 19:00

June through September: 9:00 – 20:00

October: 9:00 – 19:00

November: 9:00 – 17:00

December 1 to January 7: 9:30 – 15:30

Duration 30 min.
*Available in languages: English and French

Walk in Salt Pan

An easy but fascinating experience that we recommend you try is the guided walk through the salt pans. An itinerary made even more evocative by the iridescent colors of our ponds, the Stagnone Nature Reserve and the support of our Guides, who will be able to tell you along the way, the complex cycle of life and management of a salt marsh, its productive capacity, and the times and rhythms of salt harvesting.

February: by reservation only

March: 12:00

April, May and October: 12:00 – 17:00

June: 11:00 – 12:00 – 17:00 – 18:00

July and August: 11:00 – 12:00 – 17:00 – 18:00 – 19:00

September: 11:00 – 12:00 – 17:00 – 18:00

November and December: 12:00 e 16:00

Duration 60 min.
*Includes a visit to the Mill

Passion and dedication
Passion and dedication

Salt workers by chance

Our salt workers, holders of a very ancient craft linked to a centuries-old tradition handed down from father to son, represent an invaluable asset to us. A historical approach and at the same time a unique experience that you can try firsthand today: transforming yourself into a salt miner by accident. You can enter and walk inside the ponds, photograph yourself among white heaps, sling tools of the trade, and participate in harvesting alongside our salt workers. Equipment, made up of rubber boots and salting tools, is available at the facility.

From May 15: 11:00

June to September: 10:00

Duration 60 m.

*Includes a visit to the Mill
*Available in languages: English and French
*Activity by reservation only and related to weather conditions
*Should provide shoe size for boot availability

Salt Tasting

Not all salts are the same; taste varies and so does use. This experience will allow you to learn about all of our salts, which are obtained and harvested by hand from our salt marshes, and we are sure to amaze you both with the different flavorings you will notice and their unique characteristics. Under the expert guidance of our selmeliers, you will learn about the different types of our salts, from whole salts to flor de salts, and the differences with other qualities of salt from other parts of the world.

Activities by reservation

Duration 90 min.

PRICES
Min. 10 pax | € 22.00 per person
Min. 4 pax | € 45.00 per person
Min. 2 pax | € 150.00 per couple

*Includes a visit to the Mill
*Available on request in language: English and French

SALINE PRODUCTS

Re®, the King of Salt

Cristalli di Salina®, Fior di Sale and Sale Unico®-Trapani IGP sea salt is the first of protected origin in Italy-were created to meet the growing demand for fine salts in the world, which are increasingly sought after and used in the kitchens of great national and international chefs. You can find them all in our Bottega del Sale (salt shop), either pure or flavored with Sicilian citrus peels, herbs and selected spices.

It is possible to ship products upon request

SoleMareVento®

The natural chemistry that makes salt marsh alive is more unique than rare. A valuable and almost unknown element is virgin saline water, which has strong moisturizing, disinfecting and bactericidal powers. Our dedication combined with the efforts of an experienced pharmacist and cosmetologist has resulted in the innovative cosmetic line named SoleMareVento®: 4 shampoos with Sicilian scents, 2 Body&Face creams with sea scent, a solid handmade soap and a scrub-butter with integral sea salt. A few selected, high-quality products will allow you to take the scent of our places with you.

It is possible to ship products upon request

The Mill

Book your experience

The Mill
Walk in Salt Pan
Salt workers by chance
Salt tasting
Re®, The King of Salt
SolemareVento
The Salt Shop

Contacts:
+39 0923 733003 | +39 342 9607915
Saline Ettore e Infersa
Contrada Ettore Infersa snc – Marsala
prenotazioni@seisaline.it

ISOLA LUNGA

Book your experience

Salt Resort
Nature Trails
Wellness Paths
Guided photo safaris
Aperitifs and Dinners under the Stars
Stays and Events

Contacts:
+39 0923 733003
| +39 340 1934247
Isola Grande – Stagnone di Marsala
Contrada Ettore Infersa snc – Marsala
isolalunga@seisaline.it

MAMMA CAURA

Book your experience

Breakfast
Lunch
Aperitif
Dinner
Meetings & Events

Contacts:
+39 0923 966036 | +39 348 7446687
Saline Ettore e Infersa
Contrada Ettore Infersa snc – Marsala
mammacaura@seisaline.it