Palazzo Abatellis (Regional Gallery of Sicily)
Palazzo Abatellis
A gallery in a 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance palace, housing the huge fresco 'The Triumph of Death' and Antonello da Messina's 'Annunciation'.
Palazzo Abatellis was built at the end of the 15th century, blending late Gothic and Renaissance styles. After World War II, the architect Carlo Scarpa converted it into the Regional Gallery of Sicily. Its star exhibit is the monumental 15th-century fresco 'The Triumph of Death', in which a skeleton on horseback draws a bow against the living, a truly powerful image. Other highlights include 'The Annunciation' by the Sicilian painter Antonello da Messina and the marble bust of Eleanora of Aragon by Laurana. Admission is about €10, and a visit takes 1 to 2 hours. The palace is in the La Kalsa district, just a few minutes' walk from the seafront.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun about 09:00–19:00; closed Mon (check website)
Nearby sights
- Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri
- Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum
- Orto Botanico di Palermo
- La Vucciria
- La Martorana & San Cataldo
- Oratorio del Rosario di Santa Cita
- Santa Caterina Church & Monastery
- Fontana Pretoria