A fascinating journey through ancient Sicily
The Museo Archeologico Regionale ‘Antonino Salinas’ in Palermo, also known as the Salinas Museum, is a veritable treasure chest that tells the thousand-year history of Sicily. With a vast and varied collection , ranging from prehistory to the Middle Ages, the museum offers an immersive and engaging experience, transporting visitors back in time to discover the civilisations that shaped the island.
The history of the Salinas Museum: a path of growth and enhancement
The origins of the Salinas Museum date back to 1814, when it was founded as the Museum of theUniversity of Palermo. Over the years, the collection has been enriched thanks to donations purchases and archaeological finds, until it became one of the most important in Italy. The museum was later named after Antonino Salinas, a distinguished archaeologist and numismatist from Palermo, who was its director from 1873 to 1914 and contributed significantly to its growth and prestige.
Today, the Salinas Museum is located in the former convent of the Order of the Philippine Fathers at Olivella, a monumental complex dating from the 17th century that offers an evocative setting for the exhibition of the collections.
A journey through time: the collections of the Salinas Museum
Il Museo Salinas custodisce una vasta gamma di reperti archeologici che testimoniano la ricchezza e la complessità della storia siciliana. Tra le collezioni più importanti, spiccano:
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The prehistoric and protohistoric collection: This collection offers a fascinating insight into the earliest phases of human occupation in Sicily. Among the most significant finds are lithic tools from the Palaeolithic period, evidence of rock art from the Addaura Cave, painted ceramics from the Copper and Bronze Ages, and metal objects from the Iron Age, which reveal the craft skills and cultural practices of prehistoric Sicilian populations.
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The Greek collection: Considered one of the richest in Italy, this collection bears witness to the magnificence of the Greek cities of Sicily. Among the masterpieces on display are the metopes from Temple C at Selinunte, which narrate the exploits of heroes and gods in a vigorous and dynamic style, and the Ephebus of Selinunte, a bronze statue of a young athlete, an example of grace and harmony. The collection also includes figurative ceramics, votive terracotta, gold and silver jewellery, and other artefacts illustrating daily life, religious beliefs and artistic activities of Greek communities in Sicily.
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The Roman Collection: This collection offers a broad overview of the Roman presence in Sicily, from the first conquests to late antiquity. Among the most significant finds are floor mosaics with mythological and naturalistic scenes, sculptural portraits of emperors and illustrious personalities, inscriptions documenting the political and social life of the time, and everyday objects that offer a glimpse into domestic life and business activities.
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The Etruscan collection: Unique in Sicily, this collection bears witness to the commercial and cultural contacts between the island and ancient Etruria. Among the most interesting exhibits are terracotta sarcophagi with figures sculpted in relief, cinerary urns decorated with mythological scenes, black-figure and red-figure ceramics, and votive bronzes that reveal the Etruscans’ artistic skill and religious beliefs.
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The Punic Collection: This collection documents the presence of the Carthaginians in Sicily, especially in the western part of the island. Among the most significant finds are votive stelae with inscriptions in the Punic language, ceramics decorated with geometric and figurative motifs, amulets and metal jewellery, and objects related to the daily life and commercial activities of the Carthaginians.
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The Medieval Collection: This collection illustrates the medieval period in Sicily, with a focus on Arab-Norman and Swabian domination. Among the most interesting exhibits are marble and stone sculptures, capitals decorated with plant and animal motifs, inscriptions in Arabic, Greek and Latin, and art objects testifying to the coexistence of different cultures and religious traditions in Sicily during the Middle Ages.
How to get to the Salinas Museum
The Salinas Museum is located in Via Bara all’Olivella, 24, in the historic centre of Palermo.
- From Palermo: The museum is easily accessible on foot or by public transport from the city centre. The nearest bus stops are in Piazza Indipendenza and Via Roma.
- From other cities in Sicily if you arrive by car, you can reach Palermo via the A19 motorway (from Catania and Messina) or A29 (from Trapani and Mazara del Vallo). Once in the city, follow the signs to the historic centre and via Bara all’Olivella. If you prefer public transport you can take the train or bus to Palermo Central Station, and then continue by bus or on foot.
Visitingadvice
- Plan your visit: the Salinas Museum is very extensive and rich in exhibits, so we recommend that you dedicate at least half a day to visiting it. Check the museum ‘s official website for opening hours and prices .
- Take part in a guided tour: to learn more about the collections and discover the secrets of the exhibits, we suggest you take part in a guided tour organised by the museum.
- Admire the masterpieces: don’t miss the opportunity to admire the museum ‘s most famous pieces up close, such as the metopes of Selinunte and the Ephebus.
- Use the audio guide: to enrich your experience, you can hire an audio guide to accompany you along the exhibition route .
- Visit the bookshop: at the end of your visit, drop by the museum bookshop, where you can buy books, guides and souvenirs related to Sicilian history and archaeology.
The Salinas Museum is an unmissable place for anyone who wants to learn about the history and culture of Sicily. A fascinating journey through time that will leave you with an indelible memory of the beauty and richness of this land.