Discovering MuMaT, the Museum of the Sea of Tropea

The Tropea's Museum of the Sea, known as MuMaT, is a true treasure trove of history and culture that celebrates the unbreakable bond between the city and the sea. Located within the ancient Convent of Santa Chiara, it perfectly narrates the history of the stunning territory surrounding the city and serves as a living testament to its rich cultural heritage.

The convent dates back to the 13th century when it was founded by the Mumoli family within the picturesque setting of Palazzo Santa Chiara. It remained active until the 1763 earthquake, after which it became a private residence before being repurposed in the 20th century first as a hospital and later as a town hall.

In 2011, the complex was once again transformed, becoming a charming museum thanks to a meticulous and respectful restoration project. The restoration of Palazzo Santa Chiara led to the creation of an auditorium in what was once the ancient church, while the areas formerly used as a refectory and kitchen were converted into the Museum of the Sea.

The choice to house the museum within an ancient convent is not incidental: this special context helps to tell and preserve the historic connection between Tropea and its surrounding maritime environment, which has been an essential element of the city's fortunes for centuries.

This is why each exhibition has been designed to harmoniously integrate with the convent's architecture, creating an immersive experience that transports visitors to the heart of Tropea's maritime history.

Located at the northern edge of the historic center, the Tropea's Museum of the Sea offers a truly engaging exhibition experience, guiding you through fascinating rooms filled with artifacts, in spaces that once housed the kitchen and dining hall of the Santa Chiara convent centuries ago.

Within these areas, you will find a collection of stunning artifacts, carefully curated to highlight the evolution of marine and terrestrial species related to the Tropea region, revealing the secrets of the marine world from prehistory to the present day.

You can explore collections of selaci teeth, showcasing marine predators with a long evolutionary history, and modern sharks, or delve into marine biology, from shells to invertebrates, or embark on a journey through the marine paleontology world.

The museum boasts an extraordinary collection of fossils and skeletons, including one of the most complete skeletons of Metaxytherium serresii, an extinct sirenian species, and a 7-million-year-old whale skeleton.

These remarkable collections represent a true treasure for those eager to understand the rich natural history of the area. Each exhibit is a genuine window into distant eras, allowing you to immerse yourself in a new and incredible world that will leave you awestruck.

The Museum of the Sea of Tropea stands out for its interactive and educational offerings, turning each visit into an engaging educational adventure.

The idea is not to simply present a collection of marine specimens and fossils, however extraordinary and interesting they may be, in a sterile manner. The MuMaT aims to do more, involving visitors in practical experiences that stimulate curiosity and learning.

Through dynamic exhibits and multimedia installations, you can explore the wonders of the marine world in an immersive way, interact with digital simulations illustrating the evolutionary processes of different species, delve into traditional activities such as fishing techniques, and generally uncover the fascinating stories behind each artifact.

In this way, it will not feel like walking through museum halls, but rather participating in an engaging and memorable journey, thanks to an approach that favors a better understanding of the captivating connection between Tropea and its sea, celebrating history and traditions through an experience that stimulates both the mind and the imagination.

The maritime traditions of Tropea are a fundamental aspect of its cultural identity, deeply intertwined with the city's history and daily life. This is why the Museum of the Sea serves as a key reference point not only for tourists but also for the local population.

The MuMaT tells the maritime history of the city, thus helping to keep alive the collective memory of its extraordinary seafaring culture.

Indeed, Tropea's location in the heart of the magnificent Coast of the Gods has shaped its economy and customs over the centuries, with fishing always representing a vital source of livelihood.

Maritime traditions, such as the festivals dedicated to the patron saints of sailors and the celebrations of fishing seasons, are renowned for their vibrancy and symbolic significance.

An emblematic example is the feast of San Francesco di Paola, patron saint of seafarers, which is celebrated in April with processions and rituals of thanksgiving for protection from maritime dangers. The Festa della Madonna di Romania, held annually on March 27 and September 9, is another significant celebration that unites the community in prayer and festivities.

These events possess a special charm, because they reflect the deep connection between Tropea and its maritime environment. They represent a culture that has skillfully woven respect for the sea with a strong local identity, celebrating the roots and customs that have shaped the history and very essence of the city.