The elegant, cornice-framed facade of late 17th-century Palazzo Fici provides a magnificent prelude to the wine that awaits visitors inside at Marsala's municipal wine bar, run by local wine merchants. From shopping street Via XI Maggio, duck beneath the majestic balcony-crowned archway to enter the palazzo's interior courtyard, a cinematic sweep of gold-stone porticoes. Local vintages start at €3.50 a glass.
Should a seasonal art exhibition happen to be on inside the palazzo, don't miss the chance to nip upstairs and admire Palazzo Fici's restored upper floors. Future plans for the historic building include a Museo del Vino (Wine Museum), with multimedia displays dedicated to the culture and history of Marsala wine-making.
