Aidone Archaeological Museum
Discover the 'Goddess of Aidone' and other treasures from Morgantina in this historic monastery museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Aidone Archaeological Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the 'Goddess of Aidone' and other treasures from Morgantina in this historic monastery museum.
"A small but incredibly significant museum, essential for understanding Morgantina's rich past."
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get a combo ticket for the museum, Morgantina park, and Villa Romana del Casale for great savings!
⏳ Allow at least 1 Hour
Plan for at least an hour to fully appreciate the significance of the displayed artifacts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Goddess of Aidone (Dea di Morgantina)
Main Exhibition Hall
This iconic statue, likely Demeter, was famously returned from the Getty Museum. A symbol of cultural heritage.
Head of Hades ('Bluebeard')
Main Exhibition Hall
A captivating artifact with a fascinating story of recovery from illicit trade, highlighting international archaeological efforts.
Artifacts from Morgantina
Various Display Cases
Discover unique items from the ancient Greek-Roman city, offering insights into daily life and socio-cultural contexts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Visit with Morgantina
Check Opening Hours & Tickets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get a combo ticket for the museum, Morgantina park, and Villa Romana del Casale for great savings!
⏳ Allow at least 1 Hour
Plan for at least an hour to fully appreciate the significance of the displayed artifacts.
🏛️ Former Monastery Setting
The museum is housed in a historic 17th-century Capuchin monastery, adding to the atmosphere.
🗺️ Context for Morgantina
Essential for understanding the nearby archaeological park; don't skip it if visiting Morgantina.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get a combo ticket for the museum, Morgantina park, and Villa Romana del Casale for great savings!
⏳ Allow at least 1 Hour
Plan for at least an hour to fully appreciate the significance of the displayed artifacts.
🏛️ Former Monastery Setting
The museum is housed in a historic 17th-century Capuchin monastery, adding to the atmosphere.
🗺️ Context for Morgantina
Essential for understanding the nearby archaeological park; don't skip it if visiting Morgantina.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Aidone Archaeological Museum small but highly significant, especially when visited alongside the Morgantina archaeological park. The museum's star attractions, the 'Goddess of Aidone' and the 'Head of Hades,' are lauded for their historical importance and compelling recovery stories. The setting in a former monastery adds to its charm, though some note the limited number of artifacts.
"Some astounding pieces from the site of Morgantina, with fascinating information about the international collaboration that took place between archeologists and curators to identify and return pieces stolen and sold to collectors decades ago. The story of the head of Hades (nicknamed 'Bluebeard') is particularly interesting!"
Gilaine Young
"A small yet very interesting museum. Demetra and Kore are definitely the highlights but there a couple more exhibits that are unique to this place and deserve a closer look."
Nikos Parastatidis
"A visit of the archeological Museum of Aidone is a must for all those that take a tour to Morgantina, as it provides much needed context and important information im regards to the life and socio-cultural context of the ancient city of Morgsntins at the archeological park.
The museum is housed in the former monastery of the Cappucini which was build between 1611 and 1613 AD and was dedicated to Saint Francis.
The entrance is located in the former church that is now also used as a meeting room.
The museum hosts numerous artifacts from the Greko-Roman city of Morgantina that was founded around 1000 BC and from the Citatell that is the ancient site of a prehistoric town of the bronze age that dates back to around 2100 to 1800 BC.
The most famous artefact exhibited is the Dea di Morgantina. A female statue that probably depicts the goddess Demeter and was sculptured between 425 and 400 BC.
The statue was discovered by tombraiders and secretely removed and later sold to the Getty Museum and exhibited in the Getty Villa at Malibu in southern California.
It was not until 2011 that this important and wonderful artefact was returned to Aidone, where it is now exhibited close to the place where it was originally located.
The museum is usually open every day. However, on certain holidays it might be closed and it should be checked beforehand if it is indeed open.
There is a combination ticket that costs €14.00 and includes a visit to the Museum in Aidone, the archeological park of Morgantina and the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina.
This is the package that I would recommend as it gives access to three very important and locally close venues that one does not want to miss.
Discounts are given to those between 18 and 25 years of age and teachers. For those younger than 18, the entrance is free.
One should plan at the very least one hour to examine the exhibitions and appreciate the significance of the displayed artefacts that reach back to the early bronze age."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Aidone, Sicily. It's often visited in conjunction with the Morgantina archaeological park. Driving is the most common way to reach Aidone, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus schedules in advance is advisable.
Public transport to Aidone can be infrequent. It's best to check regional bus services from larger towns like Piazza Armerina or Enna. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for reaching the museum and surrounding sites.
Many visitors opt for a rental car to easily travel between Aidone, the Morgantina archaeological park, and Villa Romana del Casale. The combination ticket makes this a convenient and cost-effective approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is generally open daily, but it's crucial to check for specific opening hours, especially on holidays, as they can vary.
A combination ticket costing €14.00 grants access to the Aidone Archaeological Museum, the Morgantina archaeological park, and Villa Romana del Casale.
Yes, discounts are offered for individuals aged 18-25 and for teachers. Entrance is free for children under 18.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available. It's recommended to purchase tickets on-site or inquire about availability when planning your visit.
Absolutely! The €14.00 combination ticket is highly recommended as it includes entry to the museum, the Morgantina archaeological park, and Villa Romana del Casale.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The 'Goddess of Aidone' (Dea di Morgantina) and the 'Head of Hades' ('Bluebeard') are the most famous and compelling artifacts. The museum also displays numerous other unique items from Morgantina.
Visitors should plan for at least one hour to explore the exhibitions and understand the significance of the artifacts.
Crowd levels can vary, but weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience. Afternoons might be busier, especially if combined with visits to other sites.
The museum is located in the former monastery of the Capuchini, built between 1611 and 1613 AD and dedicated to Saint Francis. The entrance is in the former church.
The museum is described as small and not having a vast number of artifacts, but the pieces it does house are significant and unique, especially if you are visiting Morgantina.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific dining facilities mentioned within the museum itself. Visitors typically find cafes and restaurants in the town of Aidone or nearby towns like Piazza Armerina.
The town of Aidone offers local trattorias and cafes. For a wider selection, consider dining in Piazza Armerina, which is a popular tourist hub with many restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check for signage or ask museum staff upon arrival. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted, but professional or commercial photography may require special permission.
The 'Goddess of Aidone' and the 'Head of Hades' are prime subjects for photography. The architecture of the former monastery also offers interesting visual elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more engaging for younger visitors, consider focusing on the most visually striking pieces and telling them the dramatic stories of their discovery and return. The historical setting of the former monastery might also add an element of intrigue. Planning the visit to include the open spaces of the Morgantina park afterward can provide a good balance of indoor and outdoor activities.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the details of the artifacts, which span from the Bronze Age to the Greco-Roman period. The museum's location within a historic monastery adds another layer of historical interest. Enthusiasts will appreciate the insights into the international collaboration involved in archaeological research and the return of stolen heritage.
🚗 Day-Trippers & Road Trippers
Allocate at least an hour for the museum, and then head to the nearby Morgantina park. Aidone itself offers a charming Sicilian town experience for a brief stroll or a quick lunch. This trio of sites provides a rich historical and cultural immersion within a manageable day's itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of the Goddess of Aidone
Its presence in the Aidone museum is deeply significant, not just for its artistic merit but as a symbol of cultural heritage reclaimed. Visitors often express awe at seeing such a historically important piece returned to its rightful place, close to where it was originally unearthed. The story underscores the importance of protecting archaeological sites and combating the illegal antiquities trade.
Connecting with Morgantina's Past
Visitors are encouraged to explore the museum before or after their visit to Morgantina to gain a deeper appreciation for the context of the ruins. The museum's collection includes pottery, tools, sculptures, and other objects that illuminate the socio-cultural fabric of Morgantina. The story of the 'Head of Hades' ('Bluebeard'), another significant artifact recovered from tomb raiding, further highlights the complex history of archaeological discovery and restitution in the region.
This synergy between the museum and the park is why many recommend the combination ticket. It allows for a comprehensive exploration, ensuring that the stories behind the stones at Morgantina are fully understood through the treasures housed in Aidone.
A Glimpse into the Monastery's History
The entrance to the museum is located in what was once the monastery's church, which is now also utilized as a meeting room. Exploring the museum means walking through spaces that have their own rich history, offering a sense of continuity and connection to the past. This atmospheric setting enhances the appreciation of the artifacts displayed within its walls.
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