Marsala - Museo Nazionale Lilibeo

The Lilibaeian National Museum in Marsala lies on the shore road directly by the Capo Boeo. It is housed in the former Baglio Anselmi. By the name Baglio reference was originally made to the feudal seats of the nobili of Marsala; of these about 70 in the region have been preserved. The Archeological Museum was opened in 1985 and consists of two large halls fitted out according to modern theories on museological instruction. In the left-hand hall finds are on display from Marsala (Lilybaeum), Mozia and the surrounding area. The exhibits are arranged chronologically clockwise around the hall; they range from prehistory to the Norman period and include Punic burial monuments, Apulian-Sikelotic ceramics and Roman architectural remains which consist of limestone fragments covered in white stucco, while in the middle of the room there is a mosaic floor and a large model of Roman Lilybaeum. The right-hand hall is dominated by a 35m/115ft long Punic ship dating from the third century B.C., which was found in the sea at Mäzia and has been reconstructed. It is housed in a specially climatised tent. Around it reconstruction sketches, photos of the finds being discovered, as well as the find themselves, provide informative adjuncts to the main display. In addition further underwater finds are due to join the existing exhibits.

The contemporary art collection at present housed in the church of the former Jesuit college is also due to transfer to this building. At the present time, however, no date has been fixed.