Archeological Area of Thapsos

Culture, Museum and historical sites
Penisola Magnisi - 96010 Priolo Gargallo

    Thapsos, today Magnisi peninsula, was the destination and refuge for Athenians who camped there before the siege of Syracuse and for the future founders of Megara Hyblea. Actually the historical and archaeological importance of this site is due to the existence of a prehistoric settlement, brought to light at the end of the nineteenth century.Based on the archaeological remains found, it is assumed that the settlement was inhabited since the fifteenth to the ninth century BC.

    Most of the finds, now kept in the Regional Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi, come from the necropolis, located along the northern coast. The necropolis was rich in vases, both of local production as well as imported and objects such as weapons and necklaces showing the wealth of Thapsos’ inhabitants and that they also traded with non-Sicilian city.