Museo Archeologico nel Castello dei Paleologi

About the museum

The Castello dei Paleologi dominates the centre of Acqui Terme and has medieval origins: the first written source mentioning it dates from 1056. It was the residence of the bishop-counts, then a town stronghold, and from 1260 of the Paleologi marquises of Monferrato, who held it until the early 16th century. After Gonzaga rule and the transfer to the House of Savoy, it lost its military function and from the 19th century it was used as a prison. Little remains of the medieval structures: the drawbridge and part of the walls with a corner tower date from the second half of the 15th century, while the main part was rebuilt after its destruction by the Spanish in 1646.

The Civico Museo Archeologico has been housed in the castle since 1967, with its official opening in 1970, thanks to the work of scholars from the local section of the Istituto Internazionale di Studi Liguri (International Institute of Ligurian Studies). In 2001 the display was completely renewed on the initiative of the Municipality, with funding from the Piedmont Region and the scientific project of the Superintendency.

The route unfolds across six rooms in three sections: prehistory and protohistory, the Roman age, and the late antique and medieval period. The Roman section, the most important, presents grave goods, stelae, architectural materials, a reconstruction of the Fontana della Bollente (Bollente Fountain), a floor mosaic, amphorae and everyday pottery that tell the story of the spa town of Aquae Statiellae.

Highlights

• Six rooms from prehistory to the Middle Ages
• Reconstruction of the Roman Bollente fountain in marble blocks
• Grave goods, stelae and inscriptions from the necropolises of Aquae Statiellae
• Floor mosaic with dedicatory inscription and silver-plated bronze strigils
• Amphorae and pottery from the craft workshop on Via Cassino
• Resin casts of the Sassello bronze hoard

Permanent exhibition

• Percorso archeologico permanente – Six rooms in three sections, from prehistory to the late antique and medieval period, with particular attention to the ancient Roman town of Aquae Statiellae.

Founded

1970

Operated by

Comune di Acqui Terme

Visitors per year

approx. 5,919

Admission & discounts

The entrance ticket is valid for the museum, which takes part in the Abbonamento Musei Torino Piemonte.

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

People with disabilities or mobility difficulties can use a free accessible vehicle service to the museum entrance, departing from Via Morelli 2 or Via al Castello. The service must be booked at least 24 hours in advance, by email or telephone, stating the arrival time, the meeting point and whether a wheelchair is needed.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Educational workshops and guided tours for schools; free admission up to age 6.

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.

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