The center, founded in 1698 by Diego Tagliavia Aragon, was one of the hardest hit by the disastrous earthquake of 1968. Severely damaged were its monuments such as the Mother Church. Castle built by Frederick II of a previous Arab fort and around which Menfi has developed, is in a state of restoration.

Monuments to visit

There are several points of interest that can visit one another at Memphis. We find religious architecture, civil and military, and there are plenty of archaeological sites. Among the religious architecture may include the Mother Church St. Anthony of Padua (destroyed by the earthquake of 1968 and later rebuilt). Along with Frederick's Tower and the Palace of Pignatelli it is one of the main architectural elements that make up the curtain at the village square. Another beautiful church is that of St. Joseph, built in 1715, followed by that of Purgatory (built between 1739 and 1769) and the Addolorata. Very interesting are the Church and the College of Maria Santissima Annunziata, which are characterized by the Clock Tower, the Church of San Rocco (1851) and the Church of the Holy Providence, which was built in the early nineteenth century on the remains of an old chapel and flanked, later, by a stately building in the Gothic style.

 Also interesting is Palazzo Ravidà which is characterized by a beautiful portico with Doric columns in sandstone. One of the oldest residences in the country is Tito Palace dating back to 700 and is located in Via della Vittoria, the center of the country. The oldest monument in the country is rather the Swabian castle built in 1238 by Frederick II of Swabia. Today bears witness only the aforementioned Tower Federiciana that has an irregular shape and is divided into four floors. It is formed by two buildings joined together. This tower was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1968 but later rebuilt, according to the original features.

In the village of Porto Palo - ancient port of the Greeks of nearby Selinunte - is another important tower that is one of the visibility that was built in 1583 to defend the Sicilian cities from attack by pirates or privateers. Another important presence within these territories is one of the archaeological sites through which you have discovered, over the years, the origins of Memphis. One of the most important is to Montagnoli of Belice.

Not to be missed

The coast of Menfi

The coastal strip of the City of Memphis extends for about 10 km and is characterized by sandy beaches, white pebbled beaches and fascinating cliff overlooking the sea. Populated by hares, weasels and hedgehogs, presents an almost untouched nature, bathed in a sea of colors and variegated pulitissimo.Le beaches along the marina of Porto Palo, a town of Memphis are naturally suited for a relaxing vacation, set in Sicily more authentic. No coincidence Menfi, year after year, was awarded the Blue Flag, a prestigious European award that recognizes the quality of the waters and the attention given to the visitor.

Refer to this coastal strip - westbound - the beaches Porto Palo and Le Insoles - east - the LidoSerrone Cipolazzo, the Lido and the Lido Fiori Bertolino.

Il Borgo - Porto Palo

An ancient fishing village, is today the most important seaside resort of comprensorio.Esso stands at the center of a spacious bay towards the sea Mediterranean .. Its landscape is unmistakably dominated by a watchtower anticorsaro, built in 1583 on the promontory. The location of the ancient settlement of fishermen climbs on the promontory with white houses, which have preserved the ancient appearance, facing the harbor, the old eastern side of Selinunte. Testimony of such trafficking are the underwater findings and in particular an honorary Roman shipwreck wrecked between the second and the Isec. B.C. near the present west pier. The beach in front of the seaside village of Porto Palo, is characterized by calm, warm waters, both for the shallow waters for the shelter of the breakwater near the harbor. The coast is sandy here focus the few beach resorts of the area, leaving the rest free access to the beaches.

For bike lovers - The Bike Trail

Three possible routes:

Porto Palo - Castelvetrano 24 Km - asphalt road. Route selection, beautiful landscape of greenery, this difficulty sometimes with steep climbs

Menfi - Porto Palo 7 Km - pedestrian asphalt. The route runs on the old railway line Menfi-Porto Palo. It is a narrow gauge railway that linked-Sciacca-Castelvetrano Magazzolo-Porto Empedocle. (see historical notes and photos on the site http://www.lestradeferrate.it/mono39.htm).

Sciacca - Porto Palo 23 km - asphalt road. In the countryside, between olive groves, vineyards, orange groves, overlooking the Mediterranean sea, moderate ups and step down