Mascali: Permanent Exhibition Opened for the Nunziatella Archaeological

Mascali: Permanent exhibition opened for Nunziatella archaeological finds

The permanent exhibition "The archaeological finds of the Nunziatella of Mascali – A story in progress" has opened at the Museum of Maritime Places and Activities on via Immacolata in Mascali. The display presents materials recovered during excavations adjacent to the Nunziatella chapel and illustrates different phases of the site's history.

Organized by the local Archeoclub with scientific collaboration from the INGV and under the patronage of regional and municipal cultural bodies, the exhibition features display cases with pottery fragments, roof tiles and photographs documenting recent interventions.

Why visit

• Historical value: the Nunziatella houses Byzantine frescoes, including a depiction of Christ Pantocrator, and remains of a paleochristian basilica with multicoloured mosaic fragments.
• Excavation findings: recent investigations uncovered medieval burials dated to the 14th century by C14 analysis and other finds that expand understanding of the area.
• Research and conservation: excavations are the result of cooperation between the Superintendency, the Municipality and scientific partners, and have been the subject of academic publications.

Practical information

• Period: until 30 September 2026.
• Days and hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM.
• Venue: Museum of Maritime Places and Activities, via Immacolata, Mascali.
• Access: permanent exhibition; check for exceptional closures by contacting the museum or municipality.

The exhibition team highlights the importance of reading the Nunziatella as a single archaeological complex: visible elements belong to different historical phases and should be interpreted together to restore a comprehensive narrative to the local community. There is also an appeal to recover privately held objects that could be donated for preservation and study.

For archaeologists and visitors alike, the exhibition is an accessible way to see the results of ongoing research and to follow the site's evolving investigations.