Motya lays on St. Pantaleus’ island at the centre of a lagoon sea branch closed on the east side by the western coast of Sicily and on the west side by Isola Lunga (Long Island).
Motya was fortified by a wall around it, and was connected to the mainland by a road which, starting from Porta Nord (Northern Gate) reached Birgi.  This road, 1.7-kilometer long and large enough to host two flanking carts, was in use until the beginning of the 70’s. Now it is possible to spot it under the sea.