Site of Mozia

Discovering Mozia, a unique Phoenician island in the Mediterranean

A tiny island off the West coast of Sicily, Mozia has some of the most remarkable Phoenician remains of the Mediterranean basin. They were discovered by Giuseppe Whitaker who acquired the island in 1902, believing it could be home to one of the largest and richest Phoenician cities of the 8^th century B.C.E. Mozia is also a small natural paradise. It is located in the natural reserve of La Stagnone, between Trapani and Marsala.

: Heading for Mozia on a boat
Heading for Mozia on a boat

: Wild landscape on Mozia
Wild landscape on Mozia

: View on the saline from the boat
View on the saline from the boat

: Southern shoreline on the way to Porta Sud
southern shoreline on the way to Porta Sud

: The house of the Whitaker and archaeological remains
The house of the Whitaker and archaeological remains

: Il Giovinetto or The Youngster from Mozia (V cent B.C.E)
Il Giovinetto or The Youngster from Mozia (V cent B.C.E)

: Pierfrancesco leading a visit to the museum
Pierfrancesco leading a visit to the museum

: Il Giovinetto
Il Giovinetto

: A Carthaginian "sneering" mask
A Carthaginian "sneering" mask

: Stele from the Tofet sanctuary with male figure (VI-V B.C.E.)
Stele from Tofet (sanctuary) with male figure

Itinerary
– An archeological walk on Mozia
Mozia hosts the remains of an ancient Phoenician settlement and a temple which is absolutely unique in the West. A similar one can only be seen in Syria. What renders this site exceptional is that, unlike other Phoenician towns, it has remained untouched. Commencing with a delightful boat trip to the island, through the saline (salt basins) you will stroll the islet, admiring the settlement’s fortification walls and turrets, necropolis and sanctuaries dating back to the VIII-VI centuries B.C.E. you will also admire the superb pebbled mosaics of the “house of Capitals” (VI-III cent B.C.E) excavated by Giuseppe Whitaker, and named in such a way due to the variety of capitals dug out from the area.

– Visit the Whitaker’s Museum
The museum presents an important collection of Phoenician and Greek artifacts discovered on the site. It hosts numerous steles rich in religious symbolism from the two main sanctuaries, a great deal of materials from the necropolis and, most notably, a magnificent 5^th century B.C.E. Greek statue representing a young man, excavated in 1979.

– Optional activities on Mozia
Visit the Whitaker’s summer house
Giuseppe Whitaker and his family used to spend a good part of their summer on the island. You will visit their small country house which has been left intact, with its original furniture and decoration, thus getting an insight into the Whitakers’ lifestyle on Mozia.
lunch in the Whitaker’s garden (for groups of 8 or more):
Enjoy a wonderful Mediterranean inspired by what the Whitaker’s family used to enjoy during their summers on the island of Mozia.

Rates:*

Number of participants	Prices per participant in euros
5-10	40.00
4	50.00
3	70.00
2	90.00
1	175.00

* The above rates do not include the transport to and from the archeological site and the entrance fees (€6,00 + boat € 5,00)

Contact us to book your private group tour of Mozia. We will let you know about our availabilities and answer any questions you may have.