Today, the Monumental Complex of San Pietro is the main cultural hub of Marsala. The complex originally dates back centuries and stands on the site of an ancient Benedictine monastery founded centuries ago, which was progressively expanded and integrated into the urban fabric. Toward the end of the fifteenth century, new buildings were added, including the church dedicated to Saint Peter, and portions of the complex transitioned from monastic use to new purposes. After a period of decline following the suppression of the monastic orders in the nineteenth century, the entire complex was meticulously restored and reopened to the public in 1998, transformed into a cultural and museum space.

An architectural highlight of the complex is the tall bell tower rising above the central courtyard: a historic bell tower with a square plan, structured over two tiers of arched loggias, topped by a pyramid-shaped spire. Especially striking at night, it has become a distinctive landmark in Marsala’s skyline.

Inside, the complex houses the Marsala Civic Museum, recently restored and enhanced by a contemporary multimedia setup, divided into three thematic sections. The first section is archaeological, featuring artifacts from ancient Lilybaeum, the Roman-era Marsala, displaying objects that recount the city’s Phoenician and Roman history. The second section focuses on local folk traditions, exhibiting traditional costumes, agricultural and maritime equipment, and an intriguing exhibit dedicated to the Mysteries of Holy Thursday, showcasing masks still used during Easter processions. The third section, the pride of the museum, is devoted to the Italian Risorgimento, housing an extraordinary collection of historical memorabilia: original weapons, uniforms, and red shirts belonging to Garibaldi’s soldiers, period documents, photographs, and personal objects linked to Giuseppe Garibaldi himself. Among the most unique items displayed is a chair once owned by Garibaldi.

The Struppa family’s donation facilitated the establishment of the municipal library “Salvatore Struppa”, which holds historical documents, archives, and rare books from Marsala’s past, available to researchers and history enthusiasts. Additionally, the complex offers a conference hall used for cultural events and versatile spaces for temporary exhibitions and educational activities. Today, deeply integrated into Marsala’s community life, the San Pietro Complex is a place where past and present meet, celebrating the city’s rich heritage, traditions, and collective memory. Each space within the complex resonates with stories—from the prayers of ancient nuns to the historical deeds of Garibaldi and his men—making San Pietro an essential stop for anyone wishing to experience the historical and cultural soul of the city.