Area archeologica di Santa Venera al Pozzo
Archaeological area of about nine hectares in Aci Catena with Roman baths, a sanctuary of Demeter and Kore and an antiquarium in Casa Pennisi.
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About the museum
The Santa Venera al Pozzo archaeological area covers about nine hectares on a green hill a few kilometres from the sea. The site was frequented from the Late Copper Age, drawn by its thermal springs. From the 5th century BC it was a cult centre linked to Demeter and Kore.
The Roman settlement is identified with Acium, a stop on the road between Messina and Catania; the baths date to the period between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. From the late 3rd century AD a villa was converted into a workshop producing ceramics and building materials, active until the 5th century.
In the Middle Ages the church of Santa Venera and a hospital for the sick were built next to the baths. The waters were used until 1873; the basins were demolished in 1895 and the water was channelled to the Terme di Acireale. The visit route includes an antiquarium, set up in the former Casa Pennisi of the Barons of Floristella, which displays material from prehistory to the modern age.
Highlights
- Roman baths of ancient Acium (1st–4th century AD)
- Cult centre of Demeter and Kore from the 5th century BC
- Antiquarium in the former Casa Pennisi of the Barons of Floristella
- Medieval church of Santa Venera and thermal springs
- Area of about nine hectares on a green hill
Permanent exhibition
- Area archeologica e antiquarium – Route among the remains of the Roman baths and the sanctuary of Demeter and Kore, with an antiquarium displaying finds from prehistory to the modern age.
- Operated by
- Parco archeologico di Catania e della Valle dell'Aci (Regione Siciliana)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 2,916
Admission & discounts
| Reduced | –EU citizens aged 18 to 25 (50% reduction) |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission under 18; under 12 only when accompanied by an adult. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and one companion. |
Free admission: First Sunday of the month and on special regional or local occasions announced by the Department of Cultural Heritage.
The full ticket price is not published on the pages consulted. Admission is also free for EU tourist guides and interpreters, members of ICOM and ICCROM, journalists, teachers of state schools in the Region and EU school groups with a reservation.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The Park’s pages do not describe the physical accessibility of the site.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
