Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum in Siracusa is one of the most important museum in Europe. It was inaugurated on January 16th of 1988 by Giuseppe Voza, designed by architect Francesco Minissi, within the greenery of Villa Landolina Park located close to San Giovanni Catacombs, as a tribute to the great archaeologist Paolo Orsi.
This museum keeps digging findings shown as curated and contextualized evidences, not as “museum pieces” where visitors can get them. It is a museum not conceived as a storage deposit including outstanding silent masterpieces and great unemotional items, but as a territorial and historical extension, as a workshop where everything that comes from Earth is collected, restored and displayed.
This museum houses artefacts dating from Prehistory to Byzantine period.
SECTION A
It is dedicated to Prehistory (from Paleolithic era to the Iron Age) and displays findings from Pantalica, Palazzolo Acreide, Noto, Calascibetta and other Eastern Sicily areas.
At the end of geological section there are two elephant casts found in a cave in Siracusa.
SECTION B
It is dedicated to the Greek colonization of Sicily (during Ionic and Doric period).
Are displayed findings from Megara Hyblea such as the marble statue of Kouros, ceramics, sculptures, grave goods and architectural elements; then other evidences from Siracusa such as materials of Apollo and Athena temples; moreover objects from the necropolis and from Ciane and Zeus temple areas.
SECTION C
It is dedicated to the sub-colonies near Siracusa: Akrai (664 b.C.), Kasmenai (644 b.C.), Camarina (598 b.C.). Then the section displays findings from Eloro (Noto) and artefacts from other areas of Eastern Sicily such as architectural terracotta decorations, Greek ceramics, bronzes, grave goods and Kore sculpture from Grammichele (dated to the second half of the 6th century b.C.).
SECTION D
It is dedicated to Hellenistic and Imperial period: are displayed findings from Siracusa and surrounding areas, architectural monuments remains from Neapolis, ceramics from urban centres and necropolis, magnificent statues including Venus Anadiomene (copy of the 2nd century a.D. of the original made in the 2nd century b.C.) and the series of Imperial portraits.
SECTION F
It is dedicated to Christian era and Byzantine period; the inscription of Euskia dated to the 5th century is the oldest evidence of devotion to Santa Lucia.
Then, an installation recreates the round chambers of San Giovanni Catacombs where is displayed the amazing sarcophagus of Adelphia.
The numismatic section, which can be appreciated by visually impaired guests too, hosts the extraordinary collection of coins and medals (from Greek to Medieval period), and great examples of jewellery (from the Bronze Age to Byzantine period).
VISIT AND BOX OFFICE TIME (Tel: 0931. 464022)
Ticket office hours: 09:00 – 18:00
From Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 – 18:00, Sunday 9:00 -13:00
Numismatic room: from Tuesday to Saturday 9:30 – 13:30 (every 30 minutes for groups max 20 people)
Mondays: closing day
