♦ Join me for a visit to the Salinas Museo Archeologico in Palermo, Sicily ♦
If you have the good fortune to visit the fascinating and captivating city of Palermo, the Salinas Museo Archeologico (Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas) should be on your list of the many worthwhile historical sites to spend a few hours.
It was only on a walk with a local friend that this fascinating museum was brought to my attention. If you love museums and/or delving into the history of a place as much as I do, then it’s a must. Although you could certainly see the interesting and attractive exhibits in a few hours, I spent a whole morning there!
The museum, once a monastery, was pleasantly uncrowded and is beautifully curated and organized.
I was also particularly interested because the museum includes many artifacts from Selinunte. Selinunte was one of Greece’s most important colonies. Located in an archeological park in southwestern Sicily in the province of Trapani, it covers approximately 40 hectares (approximately 99 acres).
Selinunte embodies the glory that was Greece… and the demise. Having visited twice, even today it is an impressive site. (Learn more about Selinunte here.)
♦ “From Convent to Museum”
The Salinas Museo Archeologico was first established in 1814 at the University of Palermo when private collections were donated by aristocracy from Palermo including the Bourbons and other notable families.
Over the years the museum acquired more artifacts and sculptures found during archeological excavations taking place in Sicily (e.g., Tindari, Selinunte, Agrigento). In addition, other donations and finds from other regions augmented the collection.
In 1860 the Museo moved from the University and became the National Museum of Palermo. The collection continued to expand with more acquisitions and generous donations including Etruscan finds, a private collection of 4,000 books, ceramics, gems, gold coins, and items from other museums.
In 1866 “religious orders were suppressed and ecclesiastical assets confiscated by the state”. The interior spaces of the convent became state property and were reconfigured and transformed into a museum. Under the direction of Antonino Salinas (1873-1914) the Museo flourished and continued to expand its collections including more significant artifacts from Selinunte.
Porticoes lined with stunning sculptures.
Former cells, now stunning exhibits, including magnificent vases and amphorae.
There was some damage during Allied bombing in World War II and reconstruction was set in motion. In 1977 the national museum became regional. The museum was closed from 2009 until 2016 for further renovations and reorganization of the space.
The collection is now owned by the Regional Archeological Museum of Palermo. Upon his death, Salinas bequeathed his personal and the largest collection including books, documents, prints, letters, etc. bringing the total library (Biblioteca) collection to over 8,000 works.
These along with the impressive collection of Greek artifacts and sculptures make a visit here extremely worthwhile.
♦ Step Back in Time…
Entering the Museum into the former enclosed cloister area, you are greeted by one of museum’s many marvelous statues and very content turtles lounging in the fountain. The lovely garden is surrounded by porticoes lined with more superb sculptures.
The former cells are now exhibition spaces displaying more statues as well as fascinating artifacts including ceramics, vases, jewelry, coins, votives, funerary items and more sculptures.
Imposing larger than life sculptures…
More from the museum’s stunning collection of pottery and ceramics including vases, votives, and amphorae from various archeological sites many of which were tomb excavations.
Entering the former refectory this large space is dedicated to Selinunte. There is a large model of Selinunte, the great Greek city overlooking the Mediterranean, and an extremely interesting and informative display outlining its life and history.
Excavated architectural elements from the Temples include extraordinarily colorful and captivating terracotta pieces. Keep in mind that they are 2500 years old!
As a museum lover, I was completely captivated and the experience was enriched by the fact that I had visited Selinunte. I highly recommend that you, too, visit both!
♦ Do you love museums? Do you have a favorite in Italy or elsewhere? Please share!
Museum website & information:
Salinas Museo Archeologico
Piazza Olivella – 90133 Palermo
More about Sicily:
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