Discover Marsala: archaeology, history and lagoon

Archaeological traces from Mozia to Lilibeo

The Museo Giuseppe Whitaker is housed in Giuseppe Whitaker’s former home on Mozia and preserves numerous finds from excavations there. These include the “statua del giovinetto,” a work from the classical period. It was discovered during an excavation campaign on Mozia in the late 1970s. This example links a particular work of art with the place where it was found.

The wreck of a Punic ship is preserved at the Museo archeologico regionale “Baglio Anselmi.” The exhibition of underwater finds includes transport amphorae and anchor stocks, as well as cargo from Arab-Norman shipwrecks found off Lido Signorino. Various types of finds are represented here: a shipwreck, objects used in transport, and cargo from other wrecks.

The Lilibeo Archaeological Park offers a different historical focus. The Roman insula includes the site of a large villa dating to the 3rd century AD, with baths and cisterns, as well as the remains of an early Christian necropolis. In antiquity, Mozia was an important trading center for exchange between East and West. Together, these sites reveal different facets of history: trade relations, Roman domestic life, and early Christian remains.

The city’s history and craft heritage

Parco delle Cave is a landscape of underground limestone quarries shaped by the work of quarrymen and considered a hidden city. Calcarenite sandstone has been quarried there since the 7th century BC. Tufa blocks were first extracted for the construction of Mozia and later for ancient Lilibeo. This sequence in time links the quarries to two distinct ancient building projects.

The Monumento ai Mille is a modern structure that preserves and commemorates the history of the Mille. Inside, photographs and documents tell the story of the Mille and the wider historical period. The monument also houses an information point for visitors to the city. If you plan to use it to help you find your way around, check the current service information in advance.

The Convento del Carmine houses a municipal art gallery with a permanent collection of more than 750 works of national and international standing. The works on display may change. Holy Week includes a Via Crucis on Maundy Thursday, with live performers processing through the city’s main streets, and a portrayal of the Crucifixion that same evening. If you’d like to experience this tradition, check the dates for the relevant year.

The lagoon and water sports

The Isole dello Stagnone archipelago covers an area of 2,000 hectares. The Riserva Naturale Orientata is a separate area, encompassing the lagoon and the islands of Mozia, Santa Maria and Schola. Along the coast around the Stagnone, schools offer windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing and sailing; the area has become a meeting point for water-sports enthusiasts. As individual schools’ offerings may change, check their current operating arrangements before making plans.

From Capo Boeo, visitors can see the coast, the Aegadian Islands, the Stagnone and Mount Erice. This viewpoint offers a different focus from the collections and historic sites, with views of these landscapes taking center stage.

A city walk with a wine theme

The Strada del Vino route “Nel cuore di Marsala, fra storia e archeologia” is a city walk that can be done on foot. At the historic Palazzo Fici, it includes an introduction to the area and an initial tasting of local wines. The program and booking arrangements may change; check them before making plans. The route combines a walk through Marsala with an introduction to the area’s wines.

Discover more destinations: Favignana, Xitta, Mazara Del Vallo, Salemi, Castelvetrano, Kamma, Marinella, San Ciro - Ulmi - Filci.

For the wider travel overview: Trapani.