Museo Diocesano

The Museo Diocesano di Palermo, housed in the Archbishop's Palace, presents an important collection of sacred art from the 12th to the 19th century. Founded in 1927, the museum now occupies two floors of the palace wing on Via Matteo Bonello, directly across from the cathedral forecourt. The tour begins on the ground floor with a selection of paintings, including the historic Madonna della Perla from 1171 as well as 15th-century works with Tuscan influences. On the lower level, archaeological finds documenting Palermo's urban development from Punic times to the Middle Ages alternate with sculptures from the 16th to 18th centuries. A special focus is placed on the school of the sculptors Antonello and Vincenzo Gaggini, whose figures originally came from the cathedral's marble tribune. The upper floor displays more paintings, historic views of the city, and works by Pietro Novelli, before the visit ends with a presentation of liturgical objects such as chalices, monstrances, and vestments.