Discover the Archaeological Area of Sant’Angelo Muxaro: a journey through necropolises, monumental prehistoric tombs, golden treasures, and ancient history in the heart of Sicily.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARCO CRUPI

Nestled in the untouched beauty of the Sicilian countryside, Sant’Angelo Muxaro offers a journey back in time through mythology, history, and archaeology. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Platani River valley, this charming village holds an archaeological area that tells the story of western Sicily’s prehistory through its extraordinary rock-cut tombs and precious artifacts.

A panoramic view of Sant’Angelo Muxaro, perched on a hill in the heart of Sicily.

Sant’Angelo Muxaro stands in a strategic position, atop a hill overlooking the Platani River, once known as the ancient Halykos. This land, inhabited since prehistoric times, is believed to be the mythical kingdom of Kokalos, and some scholars identify it as the legendary Camico, where Daedalus sought refuge during his escape from King Minos.

The earliest traces of settlements date back to the Bronze Age, and the site played a central role in the pre-Greek era. As a settlement inhabited by the Sicani people, Sant’Angelo Muxaro features cultural influences from Mycenaean Greece, clearly visible in its monumental tholos tombs.

Rock-cut tomb in the archaeological area of Sant’Angelo Muxaro, carved from the rock and used for multiple burials in antiquity.

The archaeological area includes over two hundred rock-cut tombs dating from the 13th to the 6th centuries BC. The tombs vary in size and complexity, depending on the social rank of the individuals buried there. Among the most significant are:

• Rock-cut tombs, primarily used for multiple burials.
• Tholos tombs, with monumental structures reminiscent of Mycenaean funerary architecture: corridors leading to circular chambers covered by a convex roof.

These funerary monuments not only demonstrate advanced technical skills but also highlight the importance of cross-Mediterranean relationships between Sicily and the Aegean culture.

Tombs 54-56, highlighted in the documentation of the archaeological area, form a double-chamber burial complex, preceded by a long, deep access corridor known as a dromos. The chambers showcase significant technical effort, with carefully carved cornices in the rock. In the dromos, traces of funerary ceremonies were found: charcoal, fires, and remnants of ritual meals, accompanied by objects such as jugs, cups, and plates. A notable find was a double-handled cup, likely used during rituals to seal the dromos.

Tomb 56 clearly shows evidence of the “reduction” ritual, in which skeletons were arranged to make room for new burials. The bones were collected and neatly arranged in areas marked by circles of stones, and then covered with new layers of purified clay, indicating the tombs were used for generations.

These funerary monuments not only demonstrate advanced technical skills but also highlight the importance of cross-Mediterranean relationships between Sicily and the Aegean culture.

A rock-cut structure in Sant’Angelo Muxaro, which may be identified as one of the numerous chamber tombs found within the archaeological area of the site. These tombs, dating back to the period between the 13th and 6th centuries BC, were used for multiple burials and are characterized by chambers carved directly into the rock. The structure in the photo features an entrance leading to an inner chamber, typical of the chamber tombs discovered on the southern slope of the hill at Sant’Angelo Muxaro.

Rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs near the archaeological site of Sant’Angelo Muxaro stand as a testament to the Sicani civilization. These ancient burial sites are surrounded by a rugged and arid hillscape, exuding an air of untamed natural beauty.

Located about 3 kilometers from the main excavation area of Sant’Angelo Muxaro (click here to view the location on Google Maps), additional tombs form an integral part of the archaeological site. These rock-hewn burial chambers date back to between the 13th and 6th centuries BCE, underscoring the site’s historical significance and its prominence in antiquity. They provide valuable insights into the funerary practices and social structures of the Sicani people who once inhabited the region. The distance of these tombs from the primary excavation site suggests a more extensive necropolis layout, pointing to a sophisticated territorial and cultural organization.

Interior of the Prince’s Tomb at Sant’Angelo Muxaro, a monumental tholos tomb with a circular chamber and dome-shaped ceiling, symbolizing the prehistoric Sicilian funerary architecture.

Among the most famous tombs is the Prince’s Tomb, a unique structure consisting of two interconnected circular chambers. With a diameter of about nine meters and a domed roof, this tomb is an extraordinary example of prehistoric funerary architecture.

Local tradition associates the tomb with a high-ranking individual, perhaps a prince or tribal chief. Excavations have uncovered an impressive funerary collection, including golden artifacts and other high-quality items.

Learn more: Sant’Angelo Muxaro and the Tholos Tomb: The Story of Sant’Angelo Cave.

The funerary architecture of Sant’Angelo Muxaro, particularly the tholos tombs, reflects a clear Mycenaean influence. These cultural connections may have been facilitated by contact with Heraclea Minoa, an ancient port along Sicily’s southern coast. The tombs represent a blend of local traditions and external influences, highlighting Sicily’s central role in ancient Mediterranean trade routes.

One of the golden bowls from Sant’Angelo Muxaro, an extraordinary gold artifact decorated with animal scenes, symbolizing the refined protohistoric Sicilian art.

Excavations have brought to light valuable gold artifacts, including:

• Two gold rings with engraved bezels, possibly used as seals.
• Four golden bowls, elaborately crafted ritual cups. One of these is now preserved at the British Museum in London.
• Another remarkable find is a seal-ring depicting a cow nursing a calf, a symbol of fertility and abundance, now kept at the Archaeological Museum in Syracuse.

For more on the gold and treasures discovered, read our article: The Gold of Sant’Angelo Muxaro and the MuSAM Archaeological Museum.

Located in the heart of the village, the MUSAM Archaeological Museum inside Palazzo Arnone provides a comprehensive overview of Sicilian prehistory. Exhibits include artifacts from the necropolis tombs, spanning from the 12th to the 6th centuries BC. Everyday objects, weapons, ceramics, and jewelry tell the story of a wealthy and sophisticated people.

Interior of the Cave of Sant’Angelo, heart of the Integral Nature Reserve, a place of extraordinary naturalistic and archaeological interest.

Beyond its archaeological value, Sant’Angelo Muxaro boasts an invaluable natural heritage. The Integral Nature Reserve Grotta di Sant’Angelo is a place of extraordinary beauty, where nature and history intertwine. The cave, originally used as a place of worship and burial, is now an important speleological site.

Learn more about the nature reserve by reading our feature: Sant’Angelo Muxaro Cave Nature Reserve.