Set in a former Capuchin monastery in Aidone, this archaeological museum brings together finds from the ancient city of Morgantina and the prehistoric settlement of Cittadella. Its best-known work is the Dea di Morgantina, a statue thought to depict Demeter that returned to Sicily in 2011. Look also for ancient jewellery, painted busts and the head of Hades, known as Bluebeard. The displays help make sense of the nearby archaeological park, and a combined ticket covers both sites as well as Villa Romana del Casale.
A museum in a former monastery
The museum occupies a former Capuchin monastery dedicated to Saint Francis. The complex was built between 1611 and 1613. Its former church now serves as a meeting room, and the entrance is there.
The setting links the museum to Aidone’s religious and architectural history, while the collections focus on the ancient communities of the surrounding area.
Finds from Morgantina and Cittadella
The displays include objects from Morgantina, a Greco-Roman city founded around 1000 BC, and Cittadella, the site of a prehistoric Bronze Age settlement dated to around 2100 to 1800 BC. Together, the collections span different periods of life in the area.
Among the works to look for are ancient silver and gold jewellery, painted busts and the head of Hades, nicknamed Bluebeard. The museum also helps explain the archaeological site of Morgantina, so seeing the collections before or after the park visit can give the ruins more context.
The return of the Dea di Morgantina
The museum’s most famous work is a female statue carved between 425 and 400 BC. It is thought to represent Demeter. After being removed from the area and sold to the Getty Museum, the statue returned to Aidone in 2011. It is now displayed close to the place where it was originally found.
The story of the statue sits within a wider account of artworks taken from archaeological sites and later identified and returned. The museum also displays objects recovered from collections abroad, including works associated with the Getty Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Planning a combined visit
A combined ticket is listed at €14 and covers the Aidone museum, the Morgantina archaeological park and Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. Ask about it if you plan to visit all three places.
The museum is usually open daily, but holiday closures are possible, so check ahead before travelling. Give yourself at least an hour for the exhibitions. The approach roads are narrow; parking lower in town may make the last part of the journey easier.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long should I spend at the Aidone Regional Archaeological Museum?
Allow at least an hour to explore the exhibitions.
What is the Dea di Morgantina?
It is a female statue carved between 425 and 400 BC and thought to depict Demeter. It returned to Aidone in 2011 after being sold to the Getty Museum.
Is there a combined ticket for nearby archaeological sites?
A €14 ticket covers the museum, the Morgantina archaeological park and Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina.
Can the museum be closed on holidays?
Yes. Check ahead, as holiday closures are possible.
