October 4, 2026 – November 26, 2026
MAXIPROCESSO
Thirty photographs by Maria D. Rapicavoli document the proceedings of the Maxi Trial against Cosa Nostra on its fortieth anniversary; a documentary about the trial completes the route.
Museo Civico di Castelbuono
Civic museum in the Castle of the Ventimiglia, with the Palatine Chapel of Sant’Anna decorated with stuccoes by the Serpotta family, and collections of sacred art, archaeology and contemporary art.
Have only individual sections read aloud
Opening hoursAdmission €6
Current exhibitions
About the museum
The Museo Civico di Castelbuono is the municipal institution that preserves and promotes the historic and artistic heritage of the area, and today also presents itself as a centre for artistic experimentation and promotion. It is housed in the Castello dei Ventimiglia (Ventimiglia Castle): an inscription records that in 1316 Francesco I Ventimiglia decided to build a castle on the hill of San Pietro, which became the seat of the court and gave the town its name. The first structure was a watchtower linked to the nearby Byzantine hamlet of Ypsigro, dating from the 12th century.
The heart of the castle is the Palatine Chapel of Sant’Anna, richly decorated with stuccoes by Giuseppe and Giacomo Serpotta on a background of pure gold, commissioned in 1684 by Francesco Rodrigo Ventimiglia. Behind the grille is kept the reliquary with the skull of Saint Anne, brought to Castelbuono from the court in 1454. She is the town’s patron saint, and the reliquary is displayed only during the feast, from 25 to 27 July.
The collections are organised into sections: archaeology, with finds from the excavations in the castle (vessels, tools, coins); sacred art, with the “Treasure of Sant’Anna” made of gold, silver, ex-votos and vestments, including the silver bust reliquary of 1521 and an embroidered 17th-century altar frontal; modern and contemporary art, with the picture gallery; and town planning. The museum belongs to the ICOM network and offers educational activities for children and participatory projects.
Highlights
- Palatine Chapel of Sant’Anna with stuccoes by Giuseppe and Giacomo Serpotta
- Treasure of Sant’Anna with the silver bust reliquary of 1521
- Archaeology section with finds from the castle excavations
- Picture gallery of modern and contemporary art
- 14th-century Ventimiglia Castle
Permanent exhibitions
- Cappella Palatina di Sant'Anna – Baroque chapel with stuccoes by the Serpotta brothers on a gold background, and the reliquary of the saint’s skull.
- Sezioni archeologica, arte sacra e arte moderna e contemporanea – Finds from the castle excavations, the Treasure of Sant’Anna and a picture gallery with 20th-century and contemporary works.
- Operated by
- Comune di Castelbuono
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4visitors aged 8 to 18, over-65s and groups |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 7 · Free admission for children up to 7 |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and one companion |
| Groups (13+ people) | €4 per personThe reduced rate of €4 applies to groups of more than 12 visitors |
| Residents and people born in Castelbuono, other agreements | €2 |
Free admission also for teachers accompanying school groups, tourist guides with groups, students of Fine Arts Academies and Architecture faculties, ICOM members and accredited journalists. Tickets are bought on site at the museum.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 7 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Educational area for children and educational workshop run by the education department.
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.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided visits by booking via the website. The museum has an educational area for children and an educational workshop. |
