There are lots of old things in Palermo but if you want to see some ancient things visit the Archeological Museum. It is the oldest in Sicily and houses one of the richest collections of Punic and Ancient Greek art in Italy.
It was formerly the property of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, begun in the late 16th century. It became home to the museum in 1866. It is named after Antonio Salinas, a famous archeologist who served as its director from 1873 until his death in 1914. He left his major private collection to the museum.
At the entrance is a fountain with turtles. I thought they were part of the fountain until a couple of them moved.
Once inside we came upon a series of large sculptures of gods and an emperor.
Below is Zeus from Solunto dating from 2nd – 1st century BC.
Zeus again, this time from the Augustan age – late 1st centuryBC to beginning 1st AD.
The next one is Claudius, Emperor from 41 to 54 AD.
We moved on to smaller things. I would wear these earrings happily. They date from the 3rd century BC.
From feet to faces.
The red amphora is from the end of the 5th century.
The pots are from a similar era.
The kidnapping of Persephone from the end of the 6th century BC.
The next room is lined with large pieces of friezes. They are spectacular in their size and detail. They come from the Selinunte Temples in southern Sicily. The one below dates from 540 510 BC.
This one is from 460 – 450BC.
Of course there is lots more to see. It is quite humbling to stand in front of such ancient things and find them in such good order. Will the things we have created fare so well?
Not everything is old. I spotted these modern pieces in the book shop on the way out.
We ducked in to get out of the rain and were very happy we did so.
Antonio Salinas Regional Archeological Museum is in Via Bara all’Olivella. Don’t miss it if you go to Palermo.