Mazara del Vallo, seaport on the western coast of Sicily in the province of Trapani, Italy. Mazara del Vallo is located at the mouth of the Mazaro River, 85 km (53 mi) southwest of Palermo. The harbor is suitable for small ships and coastal vessels and is the usual point of embarkation for the island of Pantelleria. Among the notable monuments is the cathedral, which was founded in 1075 by Roger I, the Norman conqueror of Sicily. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1694 and damaged during World War II (1939-1945). Other sights include the Norman church of San Nicolò; the churches of Santa Caterina, San Michele, San Francesco, and Santa Maria di Gesù; and the 15th-century palace of the Knights of Malta. Mazara del Vallo flourished during the Middle Ages, when both the Arabs and the Normans held it in high esteem. The Arabs occupied it in 827, fortified the city, and made it one of their regional capitals. Later it attracted trade from Pisa, Barcelona, and Majorca. Allied aircraft heavily bombarded it prior to the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. Population (1996) 47,750.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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