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Acropolis of S. Marco

Ancient Cossyra

Audioguide about the place

  • Recommended Visit with guide
  • Free access
Pantelleria does not return evidence relating to periods dating back to the ancient Bronze Age up to the presumed moment of Phoenician colonization. The archaeological documentation, in fact, becomes prolific again only starting from the Carthaginian period, where the importance of Cossyra (name with which the classical sources designate Pantelleria) in the links between Sicily and Africa is demonstrated. Pantelleria becomes, in this particular historical period, almost an appendage of Carthage, however, always maintaining its economic and political autonomy, as demonstrated by the local coinage. This role lasted until 217 BC. when the Romans finally succeed in conquering Cossyra. From the 1st century BC onwards, Pantelleria had its golden age. It is on the two hills, San Marco and Santa Teresa

From the 1st century BC Pantelleria had its golden age and on the two heights, San Marco and Santa Teresa, traces of Roman rule are preserved. This is the place where the main political, public and sacred functions were concentrated. The two hills are separated by a flat saddle, a vast paved clearing, punctuated by masonry constructions, which could be considered as the public forum. Excavations have also revealed part of the walls from the Punic era and a terracing system with an important defensive function, probably connected to the vain attempt at defense by the Carthaginians. Among the relevant elements, there is the ramp that led from the southern slopes to the top of the hill, a public water system, consisting of cisterns communicating with each other and, from the filling of the cisterns, interesting sculptural material was found belonging to the monumental structures and to a temple of the 2nd century BC, these are fragments of statues and some fragmentary Latin epigraphs but above all the well-known Roman imperial portraits of: Julius Caesar, Antonia Minor and Titus.

Book your guided tour and listen to the stories of ancient Cossyra, it will be an extraordinary journey that will start from prehistoric times.

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News (Blog)

Updates and useful information about Pantelleria

🌿 U' Truscio arrives in Milan! 🌿

Published on: 03-11-2025

🌿 U' Truscio arrives in Milan! 🌿
Friday, November 7th, from 7 pm, the flavors of Pantelleria at Casa Portello – Home & Food ✨

A special menu to take you on a journey through...

⚠️TODAY AT 12 PM: IMPORTANT MEETING ⚠️

Published on: 23-10-2025

MEDITERRANEAN BORDERS

Islands, Transport, Continuity, and Rights

The Municipality of Pantelleria is promoting a forum for discussion and in-depth analysis of the crucial issues of...

⚠️Bomb Defuse: Tomorrow, October 19th. 💣⚠️

Published on: 18-10-2025

Mayoral Ordinance No. 49 of October 8, 2025 – Evacuation of the Area Undergoing Ordnance Removal Operations.

The Municipality of Pantelleria informs the public that, following the...

Wineglasses in the Crater🍷🌋

Published on: 16-10-2025

Don't miss the sensory experience "Calici in Cratere"!
It will allow you to learn more about ancient agricultural traditions and practices and to taste local food and wine products in the...

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