The medieval Cefalù: Porta Marina and Lavatoio

Visiting Cefalù is feels like embarking on a journey through time. The old town, dominated by the majestic Norman Cathedral and enclosed by ancient walls, is the area that best tells centuries of life lived between sea and rock. Porta Marina and the Medieval Lavotoio are two of the most important traces of this medieval past.

Porta Marina, also known as Porta Pescara, is one of the most important attractions in Cefalù and the only original medieval portal still existing that allows the entrance to the city. Its gothic arch opens like a window on the sea, framing the old pier and offering a spectacular and unforgettable view.

A few steps away is the medieval Lavatoio, in late Renaissance style, a place rich in history and tradition. Once upon a time, the women of the village met here to wash their laundry, taking advantage of the fresh water of the underground river Cefalino that flows to the sea. The access to the washroom is through a suggestive staircase “a lumachella” in lava stone, smoothed by water, which makes the visit even more fascinating.

These two places tell the authentic history of Cefalù, combining medieval charm with moments of everyday life that seem suspended in time. Visiting Porta Marina and the wash-house means immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere, where history and nature merge into an unforgettable experience.