Bellomo Palace Regional Gallery, Syracuse
The Bellomo Palace Regional Gallery is a museum housed in the historic Bellomo Palace. The origins of this palace can be traced back to the 12th century, during the period of Hohenstaufen rule in Sicily. One of the most remarkable aspects of this palace is the exceptionally well-preserved architectural elements from its early history.
The palace still retains its 12th-century appearance on the main facade, as well as in the basement and ground floor. These architectural features provide a unique glimpse into the medieval history of the building. Subsequent modifications were made in the 14th and 15th centuries, with the latter period being particularly influential.
During the 15th century, the palace was under the ownership of the Bellomo family, from which it derives its name. This period of ownership left a lasting impact on the building's architecture, as seen in the portals, mullioned windows, and the staircase, which display influences from the Catalan Gothic style—a popular architectural style in Sicily due to its ties with the Crown of Aragon.
In the 18th century, the palace and the adjacent Parisio Palace came under the ownership of a Benedictine monastery, which merged the two buildings into one. Later, in 1866, the palace was expropriated by the Italian state and subsequently transformed into a museum, a role it has fulfilled since 1940. A significant renovation of the palace took place between 2004 and 2009, ensuring its continued preservation and function as a museum.
The Bellomo Palace Regional Gallery features a diverse collection of Sicilian art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. This collection spans several centuries and showcases the artistic heritage of Syracuse and the surrounding region. One of the most notable pieces in the museum's collection is an Annunciation by Antonello da Messina, even though it is somewhat damaged.
The palace still retains its 12th-century appearance on the main facade, as well as in the basement and ground floor. These architectural features provide a unique glimpse into the medieval history of the building. Subsequent modifications were made in the 14th and 15th centuries, with the latter period being particularly influential.
During the 15th century, the palace was under the ownership of the Bellomo family, from which it derives its name. This period of ownership left a lasting impact on the building's architecture, as seen in the portals, mullioned windows, and the staircase, which display influences from the Catalan Gothic style—a popular architectural style in Sicily due to its ties with the Crown of Aragon.
In the 18th century, the palace and the adjacent Parisio Palace came under the ownership of a Benedictine monastery, which merged the two buildings into one. Later, in 1866, the palace was expropriated by the Italian state and subsequently transformed into a museum, a role it has fulfilled since 1940. A significant renovation of the palace took place between 2004 and 2009, ensuring its continued preservation and function as a museum.
The Bellomo Palace Regional Gallery features a diverse collection of Sicilian art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. This collection spans several centuries and showcases the artistic heritage of Syracuse and the surrounding region. One of the most notable pieces in the museum's collection is an Annunciation by Antonello da Messina, even though it is somewhat damaged.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Syracuse. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Bellomo Palace Regional Gallery on Map
Sight Name: Bellomo Palace Regional Gallery
Sight Location: Syracuse, Italy (See walking tours in Syracuse)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Syracuse, Italy (See walking tours in Syracuse)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Syracuse, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Syracuse
Creating your own self-guided walk in Syracuse is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Syracuse Introduction Walking Tour
Syracuse, a city steeped in 2,700 years of Greek and Roman history, boasts a rich cultural heritage, remarkable amphitheaters, and iconic architecture. It was the birthplace of the renowned mathematician and engineer Archimedes and played a pivotal role as a Mediterranean powerhouse in ancient times.
Founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans, the city-state formed influential alliances... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans, the city-state formed influential alliances... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Neapolis Archaeological Park Walk
For those keen on ancient history, Syracuse's main attraction lies within its Neapolis Archaeological Park. Spread across a vast area, this historical site contains a variety of fascinating landmarks, each with its own unique story.
Our first stop on this walk is the Augustan Arch (Arco Augusteo), the majestic archway built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Nearby, you'll find the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Our first stop on this walk is the Augustan Arch (Arco Augusteo), the majestic archway built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Nearby, you'll find the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles