The 15th century and 18th century wings of the Sicilian regional gallery at Palazzo Abatellis in Palermo have been renovated and remodelled in an important step for the enhancement of tourism and culture in the region. Work on the 15th century wing was mainly related to restoration and functional adaptation, while activity in the 18th century wing concerned accommodation of a museology section and redevelopment.
Sicilian regional gallery at Palazzo Abatellis is restored and adapted
- 02 February 2016
The Palazzo Abatellis, also known as Palazzo Patella, is situated on the principal thoroughfare in the Kalsa quarter of Palermo. Its 15th century wing is where the main collections of the Sicilian regional gallery are exhibited and the 18th century wing accommodates the regional gallery's restoration laboratories and administrative offices. The renovation of the Palazzo under the project is intended to enhance cultural identities and resources and the overall context for attracting tourists to and developing tourism in the region.
A masterpiece of Catalan-Gothic architecture
The palace dates from the late 15th century and is the masterpiece of Matteo Carnalivari, a leading exponent of Catalan-Gothic architecture. It was the residence of Francesco Abatellis (or Patella), master of the ports of the Kingdom of Sicily.
The Sicilian regional gallery at the Palazzo Abatellis contains artefacts of the highest level of quality. These include 12th century wooden exhibits, 14th and 15th century sculptures and 14th and 17th century lustre-decorated tiles. The gallery also houses Francesco Laurana's 15th century bust, believed to portray Eleanor of Aragon, the 'Triumph of Death' fresco from the court of Palazzo Sclafani, also in Palermo, and the 15th century 'Virgin Annunciate' by Antonello da Messina.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Palazzo Abatellis” is EUR 149 832, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 49 445 from the Operational Programme “Sicily” for the 2007 to 2013 programming period.