Ascoli Satriano Diocesan Museum - Image 1
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Ascoli Satriano Archaeological Museum

4.7
·413 reviews·Ascoli Satriano, Italy

Discover the returned Griffins of Ascoli Satriano and ancient local treasures in this gem of Puglia.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
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Ascoli Satriano Diocesan Museum - Image 1

Ascoli Satriano Archaeological Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the returned Griffins of Ascoli Satriano and ancient local treasures in this gem of Puglia.

4.7
(413 reviews)

"The Griffins of Ascoli Satriano are well worthy of a detour; a fascinating collection of local history."

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TIP

🎯 See the Griffins First

These returned marbles are the highlight; make them your priority when you visit!

💰 Affordable Entry

The museum has a very reasonable entry fee of 4€ per person.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Griffins of Ascoli Satriano

The Griffins of Ascoli Satriano

Exquisite ancient marbles, stolen and returned, are the museum's crowning glory. A must-see for history enthusiasts.

Ancient Greek and Roman Finds

Ancient Greek and Roman Finds

Explore eight rooms filled with fascinating artifacts from ancient Greek and Roman periods, all discovered locally.

Sacred and Church Objects

Sacred and Church Objects

Discover a collection of sacred and church items on the first floor, offering a glimpse into religious history.

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Planning Your Visit

Don't Miss the Griffins!

The museum's star attractions are the 'Griffins of Ascoli Satriano,' ancient marbles stolen and now returned. Plan your visit around seeing these remarkable pieces.

A Gem in Puglia

This museum offers a deep dive into local culture and history, showcasing artifacts found in the vicinity. It's a must-see for anyone exploring Puglia.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Shopkeeper is helpful and friendly
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

3 cose che non devi assolutamente perderti al Polo Museale #polomusealeascolisatriano #culturaeterritorio #pugliaviva #nataleinpuglia
@polo.museale.asco
5 likes • 416 views

🎯 See the Griffins First

These returned marbles are the highlight; make them your priority when you visit! Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

The museum has a very reasonable entry fee of 4€ per person. Reddit

#timangioilcuore #polomuseale #museo #ascolisatriano #giusysciarappa #grifoni #vittoriosgarbi
@giusysciarappa
9 likes • 623 views
il museo di Ascoli Satriano ❤️i grifoni
@carneafuoco
23 likes • 729 views

📍 Outskirts Location

The museum is located on the outskirts of Ascoli Satriano, so plan your transport accordingly. Reddit

🤝 Friendly Staff

Visitors often mention the shopkeeper is very nice and helpful. Reddit

La piccola Giulia ammira i Grifoni di Ascoli Satriano ❤️@videoviraliofficials #timangioilcuore #vieniaballareadascolisatriano
@giusysciarappa
30 likes • 1.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 See the Griffins First

These returned marbles are the highlight; make them your priority when you visit! Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

The museum has a very reasonable entry fee of 4€ per person. Reddit

📍 Outskirts Location

The museum is located on the outskirts of Ascoli Satriano, so plan your transport accordingly. Reddit

🤝 Friendly Staff

Visitors often mention the shopkeeper is very nice and helpful. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(413 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Ascoli Satriano Archaeological Museum for its exquisite collection, particularly the returned 'Griffins of Ascoli Satriano,' which are considered a must-see. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into local history with its ancient Greek and Roman finds, and the affordable entry fee makes it a great value. Some find the museum's location on the outskirts a minor inconvenience, but the quality of the exhibits generally outweighs this.

"This museum hosts some exquisite pieces, including the Griffins of Ascoli Satriano. Stolen in the late 1970s and finally returned to Italy in 2007, the griffins on their own are well worthy of a detour."

Thomas Soininen

"Fascinating to see the remarkable marbles stolen from this area by tomb robbers, bought by the Getty museum, and now returned. Go see them if you are anywhere near."

Philip Carpenter

"Small Museum located in the outskirt of Ascoli.On the ground floor it hosts many collection of ancient Greek and ancient Roman finds, disposed in eight different rooms. On the first floor is plenty of sacred and church objects. The entry fee is 4€ per person."

Simone Cocchi

What People Like

Exquisite Griffins of Ascoli
Fascinating local history
Affordable entry fee

What People Dislike

Outskirts location

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located on the outskirts of Ascoli Satriano. While public transport options might be limited, driving is a common way to reach it. Parking information is usually available locally. Reddit

Yes, the museum is generally accessible by car, and it's situated on the outskirts of town. Consider checking local parking availability upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee is a very affordable 4€ per person, making it an accessible cultural experience. Reddit

Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the standard entry fee is quite reasonable. It's always worth asking at the ticket counter. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official museum website or contact them directly before your visit to confirm. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The absolute must-see are the 'Griffins of Ascoli Satriano,' remarkable ancient marbles. You'll also find extensive collections of Greek and Roman finds, plus sacred objects. Reddit

A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits. Allow extra time if you wish to fully appreciate the details. Reddit

The museum offers a good educational experience for children, showcasing historical artifacts. The 'Griffins' can be particularly captivating. Reddit

Information on guided tours is not always readily available online. Inquire at the museum upon arrival or check their official channels for any scheduled tours. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself doesn't typically have a restaurant. However, Ascoli Satriano offers local trattorias and cafes where you can enjoy regional cuisine after your visit. Reddit

Generally, it's best to consume food and drinks outside the exhibition areas to preserve the artifacts. Check the museum's specific policies upon entry. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. While personal, non-flash photography is often permitted, it's advisable to check for any restrictions on specific exhibits or areas. Reddit

The 'Griffins of Ascoli Satriano' are undoubtedly the most photogenic pieces. The well-preserved artifacts and the chapel also offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Ascoli Satriano Archaeological Museum can be an engaging experience for families. The Griffins of Ascoli Satriano are particularly captivating for younger visitors due to their imposing presence and dramatic story of recovery. The numerous ancient Greek and Roman artifacts can spark curiosity about history and ancient civilizations. Reddit

To make the visit more enjoyable for children, consider focusing on the most visually striking exhibits and perhaps turning it into a treasure hunt for specific items. The museum's manageable size means it won't overwhelm younger attention spans, and the affordable entry fee makes it a budget-friendly outing. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts

For those with a deep interest in history and archaeology, the Ascoli Satriano Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove. The extensive collection of Greek and Roman artifacts, all sourced locally, provides invaluable insights into the region's ancient past. The Griffins of Ascoli Satriano are not only visually stunning but also represent a significant piece of art history and cultural heritage. Reddit

Beyond the famous griffins, the museum's dedication to showcasing local finds offers a unique perspective on the archaeological landscape of Puglia. The sacred and church objects on the first floor add another dimension, allowing for a broader understanding of the area's historical development and cultural influences. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Remarkable Griffins of Ascoli Satriano

The undisputed stars of the Ascoli Satriano Archaeological Museum are the Griffins of Ascoli Satriano. These magnificent ancient marbles were tragically stolen in the late 1970s by tomb robbers and eventually found their way into the collection of the Getty Museum. After a lengthy legal and diplomatic process, they were finally returned to Italy in 2007, finding their rightful home back in Ascoli Satriano. Their intricate craftsmanship and dramatic history make them a compelling sight for any visitor. Reddit

Seeing these griffins is often cited as the primary reason for visiting the museum, even for those who are not typically museum-goers. Their presence alone makes the detour worthwhile for anyone traveling through Puglia. The story of their recovery adds an extra layer of fascination to their already impressive artistic merit. Reddit

A Journey Through Local History

The Ascoli Satriano Archaeological Museum serves as a comprehensive repository of the region's rich past. The ground floor is dedicated to a vast collection of ancient Greek and Roman finds, meticulously displayed across eight distinct rooms. These artifacts, all unearthed in the vicinity, offer a tangible connection to the civilizations that once thrived in this area. From pottery shards to intricate sculptures, each piece tells a story of daily life, trade, and artistic expression from millennia ago. Reddit

Complementing the ancient finds, the first floor houses a significant collection of sacred and church objects. This section provides insight into the spiritual and religious heritage of Ascoli Satriano and its surrounding communities. The juxtaposition of secular and religious artifacts creates a well-rounded narrative of local history and culture, making the museum a valuable stop for understanding the soul of Puglia. Reddit

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