Prehistory and Grotta del Pozzo
Humans were already living on the island during the Paleolithic era: the Grotta del Pozzo preserves rock graffiti and artifacts testifying to human presence for over 10,000 years.
History and culture of Favignana
Ten thousand years of history on an island the size of a neighborhood: from cave graffiti to the Florio mattanza, all the way to the Marine Protected Area.
Key milestones
Punic Wars and Battle of the Egadi
In 241 BC, off the coast of Favignana, the Roman fleet defeated the Carthaginian fleet, bringing an end to the First Punic War. The remains of the rostra found on the seabed are now in the Florio museum.
The tonnara and the Florio family
In the 19th century, Ignazio Florio transformed the tonnara of Favignana into the largest tuna processing plant in the Mediterranean. The tonnara remained active until 2007.
The mattanza
The ancient ritual of bluefin tuna fishing, with its 'chamber of death' and the chant of the tonnaroti, marked the life of the island for centuries.
Calcarenite quarries and hypogeum gardens
For centuries, the islanders hand-quarried the tuff stone to build houses and churches. The abandoned quarries have become charming hypogeum gardens.
Forte Santa Caterina
Norman fortress atop Monte Santa Caterina, used as a Bourbon prison, today open to visitors along the scenic trail.
Piazza Madrice and the town
The heart of Favignana with the Chiesa Madre, Palazzo Florio, and narrow white streets full of places to eat and local artisans.
Isole Egadi Marine Protected Area
Established in 1991, it is the largest MPA in Europe. It protects posidonia seagrass, dolphins, sea turtles, and the submerged archaeological heritage.
Ex Stabilimento Florio Museum
A multimedia tour tells the story of the tonnara, the mattanza, and the Florio family inside the restored industrial complex.
In-depth
In the footsteps of Ulysses in the Egadi Islands
The literary hypothesis of Samuel Butler, the tradition of Cala Rotonda and what you can actually visit today among the three islands.
Was this page helpful?
Share it with anyone planning a trip to Favignana.