MARIANOPOLI

Marianopoli, 720m a.s.l. and totalling about 3.000 inhabitants, is located in the province of Caltanissetta. The Baron Della Scala, intending to populate the Marchi’s feudal estate, founded the earliest settlement here in the beginning of the 18^th century. The city is especially renowned for its Museum and archaeological sites.

The Archaeological Museum is divided into four rooms displaying relics of prehistoric origin coming from Monte Castellazzo, Balate and the necropolis of Valle Oscura. The archaeological area of Monte Castellazzo hosts a prehistoric necropolis dating from the Copper Age, and an acropolis, where excavations have unearthed defensive walls and a settlement dating from between the 4^th and the 3^rd century BC. Fragments of defensive walls and an acropolis were brought to light in the Monte Balate district. In the Valle Oscura, finally, an archaic necropolis was discovered.