The history of Petrosino is closely related to the construction and evolution of the bagli: rural fortified structures. The etymology of the word baglio appears uncertain, however the most valid theories lead back to the Latin ballium (courtyard surrounded by buildings or walls) and to the word balarm (fortress).
These structures are the witness of the important role that viticulture had at the beginning of 1800. Bagli were built to facilitate the local farmers (Petrosino was among the major centres of wine production) which had not sufficient resources to carry grapes and wine to Marsala.
Arco Baglio Woodhouse
Built by the landowners for agricultural activities, the typical structure had large courtyards, manor house and several warehouses. Its characteristic element was the courtyard where took place the daily life of the community and specific spaces were designed for grape pressing (in local dialect palmentu) or olives pressing (in local dialect trappitu). The highest part of the structure was the house of the landowner who stayed there seasonally. The development of viniculture and winemaking fostered the reproduction of baglio structure especially near the coast.
BAGLIO WOODHOUSE
Built in 1813 by the English merchant John Woodhouse, who discovered the Marsala wine and exported it all over the world, it was the first baglio in Petrosino. A luxury manor house in neo-classical style, locally known as bagghiu gnisi (English baglio), where the legendary Marsala Soleras 1815 and Marsala Waterloo 1815 were produced. Unfortunately the fascinating structure now is not in good conditions, it is possible to find just the entrance, a warehouse and another one partially destroyed, part of the courtyard and the residential area. In the courtyard there is still a well and a washtub made in tuff. The portal became the symbol of the town as a tribute to the ancient and prestigious farming culture.
Built in 1813 by the English merchant John Woodhouse, who discovered the Marsala wine and exported it all over the world, it was the first baglio in Petrosino. A luxury manor house in neo-classical style, locally known as bagghiu gnisi (English baglio), where the legendary Marsala Soleras 1815 and Marsala Waterloo 1815 were produced. Unfortunately the fascinating structure now is not in good conditions, it is possible to find just the entrance, a warehouse and another one partially destroyed, part of the courtyard and the residential area. In the courtyard there is still a well and a washtub made in tuff. The portal became the symbol of the town as a tribute to the ancient and prestigious farming culture.
BAGLIO SPANO’
It was an Episcopal property, then between 1873 and 1882 the Marquis Nicolò Spanò from Marsala decided to built its baglio there. It is located in contrada Triglia Scaletta and it is characterized by two connecting courtyards: one reserved to the landowner’s family and the other one for all the farmer activities. The majestic palace of the Marquis stands in front of the entrance, on the main courtyard. Its prestige is evidenced by the magnificence of the structure.
Looking out the windows of the top floor it is possible enjoy a wonderful sea view. The baglio is surrounded by luxuriant vineyards. It still is a private ownership and it is used as agritourism.
BAGLIO MARCHESE
Ancient baglio built in 1700, it was the summer residence of the Marquis D’Anna from Marsala. Abandoned for a long time, nowadays it retains a little part of the original structure where there was the area for the farmer activities. A magnificent courtyard completed the typical structure of the local baglio. Unique elements of this baglio are the three sighting towers. The baglio was restored and it is now used as a restaurant.
