Riserva Naturale Integrale Saline Di Trapani E Paceco
Flora and fauna
The nature reserve is the habitat of many endemic plant species. The halophyte flora which is adaptable to the salt marshes and the soils with high salt concentrations is represented by some of the rarest plants of Sicily, like the sea marigold (Calendula maritima), Limoniastrum monopetalum, Cynomorium coccineum or Limonium densiflorum.
Rare animals are the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), the common painted frog (Discoglossus pictus), as well as the insect species Bucherillo littoralis, Stenoniscus carinatus, Pterolepis elymica, Cicindela circumdata imperialis, Cicindela littorea goudati, Teia dubia and Aphanius fasciatus.
The salt works are an important stopover for many European migratory birds before they fly across the Strait of Sicily to Africa. 170 bird species have been counted here.
Salt Museum
Located in an old mill, the Salt Museum is a private structure with tools and an exhibition of the traditional activity of the artisanal production of salt. Nearby is the "Salina Culcasi", with Torre di Nubia ( 37°58′54″N 12°29′41″E / 37.98167°N 12.49472°E ), part of the ancient Torri costiere della Sicilia system to prevent the theft of salt by Barbary pirates from Maghreb.
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Torre Nubia near Salina Culcasi of Paceco (Trapani)
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Torre Nubia, view from arc of museum
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Ancient stone millstone
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Ancient stone millstone (other side)
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Old Archimedes' screw (front)
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Old Archimedes' screw
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Shaft transmission wheel
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Shaft transmission wheel (in its working position)
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Water car (Carro dell'acqua)
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"American" water lifting mill