Discover the Gold of Sant’Angelo Muxaro and the MuSAM Museum: a journey through history, art and archaeology in the heart of Sicily, featuring unique artifacts and ancient legends.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARCO CRUPI

Nestled in the heart of Sicily, among golden hills and breathtaking landscapes, the small village of Sant’Angelo Muxaro holds one of the island’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures. Steeped in myths and legends, this place is known for its exceptional golden artifacts, known as the Gold of Sant’Angelo Muxaro and the MuSAM Archaeological Museum, which offers a unique glimpse into the millennia-long history of this land. Join us as we uncover the secrets of this unique place, where archaeology, art, and mystery intertwine in a fascinating tale.

The Gold of Sant’Angelo Muxaro consists of a collection of extraordinary golden artifacts dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries BC, evidence of the area’s rich past, which was an important center of the Siculian culture at the time. Among these artifacts are the Golden Patera, now housed at the British Museum, and a series of refined gold rings found in Tomb 15 of the Anguilla Complex of Filosofo.

The Golden Patera is one of the most famous artifacts among the Gold of Sant’Angelo Muxaro. This gold bowl, with a diameter of 26.60 cm, a height of 2 cm, and a weight of 278 grams, is a masterpiece of 4th-century BC decorative art. Its surface is adorned with floral and animal motifs, including flowers, branches, lions, donkeys, and wolves, reflecting the complex sacred and mystical symbolism of Greek culture. The central medallion, decorated with a rosette, represents the idea of goodness linked to divine and ethical nature, symbolizing the bond between humans and the celestial realm

This extraordinary artifact was discovered near Sant’Angelo Muxaro and, in the 18th century, came into the possession of Sir William Hamilton, a British diplomat and antiquarian, who sold it to the British Museum in 1772. Today, the original is on display at the British Museum in London, a testament to the cultural and artistic influence of Sicily in antiquity.

At the MuSAM Archaeological Museum in Sant’Angelo Muxaro, visitors can admire a faithful replica of the Golden Patera. This reproduction allows visitors to appreciate up close the art and craftsmanship of ancient Sicilian artisans, offering a tangible link to the historical heritage of the area.

In addition to the Patera, the gold rings found in Tomb 15 of the Anguilla Complex of Filosofo are another example of the artistic and spiritual sophistication of the time. These jewels, belonging to a high-ranking deceased person identified as “Lord Muosio,” tell stories of power, religion, and beliefs. The rings are decorated with floral and animal motifs that reflect Greek symbols associated with spirituality and the afterlife.

The burial itself is an archaeological masterpiece: a funerary fibula and the rich ornaments found in the tomb suggest that the deceased was a figure of great importance, possibly a local chief or priest, deeply connected to the religious traditions of his time.

For those wishing to immerse themselves in history and admire the artifacts of this extraordinary civilization up close, a visit to the MuSAM Archaeological Museum is a must. Located in Palazzo Arnone, in the heart of Sant’Angelo Muxaro, MuSAM is an example of a “smart museum” that combines technology and tradition to tell the story of the area.

The museum exhibits a rich collection of local archaeological finds, including copies of the Golden Patera and the gold rings, along with numerous other objects unearthed during excavations. Thanks to multimedia installations and interactive exhibits, visitors can explore the ancient history of this area and understand its historical and cultural value.

Opening Hours: The museum is open to the public from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Visits can also be arranged on weekends and afternoons by appointment, making MuSAM accessible to all history enthusiasts.

Sant’Angelo Muxaro, a village steeped in myths and legends, offers a unique cultural and scenic setting. Considered by many to be the ancient Kamikos, the capital of the Sicanians, the village is enveloped in a timeless atmosphere. Walking through its streets, one can feel the depth of history and the connection between local traditions and the great civilizations of the past.

The village stands on a gypsum hill at 335 meters above sea level, overlooking the Platani River valley. This strategic position favored, over the centuries, the settlement of various peoples, from the Sicanians to the Arabs, who left indelible marks on the urban fabric and local traditions.

Legend has it that Kamikos was the residence of the Sican king Kokalos, who offered refuge to Daedalus as he fled from Minos. This mythical story is reflected in the numerous caves and necropolises in the area, including the famous “Tomb of the Prince“, a tholos funerary structure that attests to the importance of the site in prehistoric times.

Beyond its archaeological heritage, Sant’Angelo Muxaro boasts centuries-old traditions, such as ricotta production, celebrated annually with a dedicated festival. The village streets are filled with artisan shops preserving ancient crafts, offering visitors an authentic experience of Sicilian culture.

Surrounded by pristine natural landscapes, the village is encircled by hills and valleys that invite hiking and trekking, allowing visitors to discover the wild beauty of the Sicani Mountains. The combination of history, culture, and nature makes Sant’Angelo Muxaro an unmissable destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the most authentic soul of Sicily.