An aristocratic palace on Via Alloro transformed into a major art museum, housing Sicily’s medieval art collections since 1954.
At a glance
Palazzo Abatellis—also known as Palazzo Patella—is a historic noble residence that reopened after World War II as a dedicated gallery for medieval art. The Regional Gallery of Sicily occupies this restored palace, preserving works that once belonged to the Royal University’s art collection and the Antonio Salinas archaeological museum.
History
The palace’s transformation into a gallery followed the end of World War II. Authorities decided to restore the damaged building and establish it as the Art Gallery for Medieval Art Collections. The artworks displayed here were previously held at the Royal University and, from 1866 onward, at the regional archaeological museum Antonio Salinas. The gallery opened in 1954 and remains a central institution for understanding medieval Sicilian art and culture.
What you see
The palazzo retains its character as an aristocratic residence while functioning as a modern museum. Its restoration preserved the building’s historical fabric while creating spaces suitable for displaying medieval collections.
Cultural significance
The gallery represents a crucial effort to preserve and present Sicily’s artistic heritage, particularly its medieval period. By consolidating collections previously scattered across institutions, Palazzo Abatellis became a definitive center for studying the island’s cultural development.
Key facts
- Address: Via Alloro, 4, 90133 Palermo
- Phone: 091 623 0033
- Website: http://www.regione.sicilia.it/beniculturali/palazzoabatellis/home.htm
- Coordinates: 38.1165956, 13.371109
- Opened as Regional Gallery: 1954
Practical information
Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday 09:00–18:30; Saturday–Sunday 09:00–13:00; closed Mondays. Contact the gallery directly for current admission fees and any seasonal variations.
Getting there
The gallery is located on Via Alloro in central Palermo. Check local transportation options and parking availability when planning your visit.
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See this place and what’s around it →Historical events at this place (1)
- 2018 Antonello da Messina
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