Museum of Dancing Satyr, Archaeological museum in Mazara del Vallo, Italy
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Mazara del Vallo).
Cave di Cusa
12.4 km
Santissimo Salvatore Cathedral
200 m
Saint Dominic Church
18.4 km
Santissima Trinità di Delia
15.1 km
Chiesa di San Francesco
413 m
Riserva naturale integrale Lago Preola e Gorghi Tondi
7.4 km
Arco normanno, Mazara del Vallo
300 m
Chiesa di San Nicolò Regale
205 m
Roccazzo
10.5 km
Santa Maria Assunta
18.2 km
Chiesa della Madonna delle Giummare
2.2 km
Lago della Trinità
15.7 km
San Michele Arcangelo
288 m
Collegio dei Gesuiti
41 m
San Giovanni
18.3 km
Diocesan Museum, Mazara del Vallo
117 m
Capo Granitola lighthouse
11.6 km
Mirabilia Urbis Mazara del Vallo
184 m
Museo ornitologico
171 m
Palazzo del Seminario
140 m
Palazzo Vescovile
166 m
Marsala lighthouse
20.2 km
San Calcedonio
117 m
San Vito in urbe
67 m
Church of Santa Veneranda
164 m
Saint Caterina church, Mazara del Vallo
218 m
Saint Nicholas Church, Mazara del Vallo
169 m
Statua di S. Vito nella piazza del Municipio
173 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes