Trapani

On May 11, 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi and his Expedition of the Thousand landed in Marsala, a small port in the province of Trapani, Sicily. This event marked the beginning of the unification of Italy. Garibaldi, along with his volunteers, also known as the "Red Shirts," sought to conquer the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and contribute to the unification of the Italian Peninsula under the Kingdom of Sardinia. This military campaign was decisive in the series of events that led to the eventual founding of the Kingdom of Italy.

Operation Husky was an Allied operation during World War II that commenced on July 10, 1943, with an amphibious and airborne assault on the island of Sicily. The invasion marked the start of the Italian Campaign and ultimately led to the downfall of Mussolini’s regime. Trapani was one of the key strategic locations affected by this operation. The Allied forces, comprising American, British, and Canadian troops, worked to liberate Sicily from Axis forces, which greatly impacted the towns in the province of Trapani.

A devastating earthquake struck the Belice Valley in Sicily on January 14, 1968. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6.1, caused widespread destruction across several towns in Sicily, including parts of the province of Trapani. It resulted in the deaths of hundreds of residents and left thousands homeless. The earthquake highlighted the need for improved seismic building standards in Italy. The region's slow recovery illustrated the economic and social challenges faced by Sicily's rural communities in the aftermath of natural disasters.

The Maxi Trial began on June 23, 1985, in a specially constructed courtroom in the Palermo prison, signaling the start of Italy's largest and most significant criminal trial against the Sicilian Mafia. Although the trial took place in Palermo, it was closely watched in Trapani and all over Sicily, as many Mafia activities and associates were involved or had connections to the Trapani area. The trial aimed to dismantle the power structures of the Mafia and resulted in numerous convictions that weakened the criminal organization.

On November 30, 2005, archaeologists announced significant discoveries on the ancient Phoenician island of Motya, near Trapani. The findings included well-preserved artifacts and structures, providing new insights into the Phoenician civilization that once thrived on the island. Motya was an important Phoenician trading post, and these discoveries shed light on its role in the Mediterranean trade network. Continued excavations have contributed to a deeper understanding of the island's historical importance in ancient times.

On August 23, 2013, an exhibition dedicated to the Baroque art of Trapani was opened, celebrating the unique cultural and artistic heritage of the city. Trapani is known for its rich history of baroque art and architecture, and the exhibition showcased many masterpieces that illustrate the artistic flair of the region during the Baroque period. These works highlighted the influence of religion, culture, and society on the art produced in Trapani, drawing attention from both art historians and tourists.

Trapani has a long history of salt production, and on May 10, 2017, a renewed interest in the traditional salt pans of Trapani was reported. The salt works, known as "Saline," are an important part of the cultural heritage of the region. Salt harvesting has been practiced here for centuries, and its resurgence signifies efforts to preserve traditional methods while promoting sustainable tourism and local economy. The salt pans also serve as a habitat for numerous bird species, adding ecological value.

On June 3, 2019, marine archaeologists announced the discovery of an ancient shipwreck off the coast of Trapani, believed to be a Roman vessel dating back to the 2nd century AD. The wreck was found with a cargo of amphorae, which provides valuable information about the trade routes and goods exchanged during that period. The find is considered one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries in recent years in the region, offering insights into the maritime history of Trapani.

On September 15, 2020, the traditional tuna fishing practices of Trapani were recognized as an important part of Sicily's intangible cultural heritage. The "Mattanza," as it is known, is a traditional method of tuna fishing practiced in the Mediterranean, particularly around the Egadi Islands near Trapani. This recognition is aimed at preserving the cultural and historical significance of this practice in the face of modern fishing techniques and environmental concerns, ensuring the tradition remains alive for future generations.

The Trapani Express Coastal Railway was inaugurated on October 1, 2021, designed to improve local transportation and connect the coastal towns more efficiently. This railway line is part of a broader initiative to enhance infrastructure and support economic development in the Trapani region by providing better access to both residents and tourists. The new line aims to boost local tourism by offering convenient travel options along the scenic coast of western Sicily, promoting a more sustainable mode of transport.