MAVI – Museo Archeologico di Villasimius

About the museum

The Museo Archeologico Comunale di Villasimius was inaugurated on 27 May 2000 and is housed in a 19th-century rural house. The displays revolve around the themes that shaped the area's history, above all the sea, a place of encounter and conflict between civilisations. The collection holds archaeological evidence from the Nuragic to the medieval period, from underwater recoveries, underwater excavations, land excavations and chance finds; it has also grown thanks to donations from local residents.

One room is dedicated to the sanctuary of the settlement of Is Cuccureddus, a harbour active in trade from the Phoenician period to Late Antiquity, with Roman terracotta votive offerings depicting divine faces and parts of the body. Underwater finds along the coast are extensive: a group of Punic amphorae attests to trade with the Balearics, while numerous Roman amphorae come from several wrecks, including the “Relitto del Canale” (Canal Wreck), which carried terracotta building materials.

The room on the Isola dei Cavoli wreck displays some cannons and part of the cargo of a Spanish ship that sank around the 15th century on its way to Campania or Sicily, carrying azulejos, white and blue glazed tiles. Also presented are Phoenician and Punic ships and cargoes from Roman and Vandal-period vessels, partly with reconstructions of the original settings.

Highlights

• Isola dei Cavoli wreck room with 15th-century cannons and azulejos
• Punic and Roman amphorae from wrecks along the coast
• Relitto del Canale with terracotta building materials
• Room on the Is Cuccureddus sanctuary with Roman votive offerings
• Reconstruction of an underwater excavation

Permanent exhibition

• Collezione permanente: dal santuario di Is Cuccureddus ai relitti – Rooms devoted to the sea, the Is Cuccureddus sanctuary, the territory and the Isola dei Cavoli wreck.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Comune di Villasimius

Admission & discounts

Admission is charged; prices are not published on the museum's website.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the Sardinia Region's listing, there is a route for blind and partially sighted visitors with tactile maps, as well as facilitated physical access for visitors with specific needs.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is listed among the services in the Sardinia Region's listing.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit