Description of the attraction
The Batlló Anselmi Archaeological Museum is located on the embankment of Capo Boeo, in the archaeological site of ancient Lilibey, the predecessor of Marsala. The museum occupies a house built at the end of the 19th century for the production of the famous Marsala wine. The building consists of large rooms overlooking a spacious courtyard, where you can see an ancient grave, a pottery kiln and fortifications, proving that people lived in these places as early as the 4th century BC.
Perhaps the main attraction of the museum is a Carthaginian ship dating from the 3rd century BC, which was discovered in 1971 off the coast of Isola Lunga. Today, the carefully restored vessel is stored inside a large protective tarpaulin that ensures the right temperature and humidity levels. Thin lines, bottom and waterline indicate that this was an oar ship that sank during the Battle of the Aegadian Islands at the end of the First Punic War. The stern and the port side of the vessel are perfectly preserved. Measuring 35 meters long, almost 5 meters wide and carrying capacity of 120 tons, it was sheathed with planks and thin lead shields. The ship was served by a team of 68 people who set in motion 17 oars on each side. Here are also exhibited pottery, ropes, hemp leaves and several ballast stones stored on the ship.
In addition, in the museum you can learn the history of ancient Lilibey and its surroundings up to the Middle Ages. Since 1986, artifacts found at the archaeological site of Lilibeya, as well as finds from the island of Mozia and from the town of Mazara del Vallo, have been brought here.
