Museum of Dancing Satyr, Archaeological museum in Mazara del Vallo, Italy
The Museum of Dancing Satyr showcases a 2-meter-tall bronze statue from the Hellenistic period, now housed within a church building. The work displays remarkable craftsmanship with alabaster inlays for the eyes and finely detailed surface treatment throughout.
The bronze statue dates to the 3rd or 2nd century BCE and was discovered in 1998 by local fishermen off Sicily's southwestern coast deep in the Mediterranean Sea. The artwork survived two millennia underwater before being recovered and brought to land.
The statue stands displayed within the Church of Sant'Egidio, where visitors encounter classical artistry housed in a religious setting. This unusual pairing of sacred space and ancient sculpture creates a distinctive visual and spiritual experience.
The museum operates on a schedule with extended hours on weekdays and shorter opening times on weekends and holidays. Plan your visit in advance and allow sufficient time to view the display and explore the church setting.
The statue captures a dynamic leaping pose with flowing hair and was found in remarkably good condition despite spending two millennia underwater. The alabaster eyes and fine surface details have survived the long submersion almost completely intact.
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