Museo di arte sacra di Misterbianco
Museum in the crypts of the Chiesa Madre with paintings and wooden sculptures from the churches of ancient Misterbianco, destroyed by the eruption of 1669.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum is housed in the crypt of the Chiesa Madre of Misterbianco, accessed from via Madonna delle Grazie, and is run by the Fondazione culturale Monasterium Album, which also looks after the archaeological site of Campanarazzu.
The ancient centre of Monasterio Albo was abandoned after the eruption of Mount Etna in 1669. Part of the artistic heritage of its churches was saved by refugees, who settled elsewhere, including Cibali and Piano delle Forche, now in the territory of Catania. The museum brings these works together and documents the history of the community before and after the destruction.
The works on display are mostly paintings and wooden sculptures from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, many in Caravaggesque style, from the churches of San Nicolò, del Carmine, Sant’Orsola and the old Chiesa Madre.
Highlights
- Painting of Purgatory from the Chiesa Madre
- Wooden statue of the Risen Christ
- Wooden altarpiece of the Madonna of the Rosary
- Caravaggesque paintings from the church of San Nicolò
- Madonna del Carmelo by Giacinto Platania
Permanent exhibition
- Opere provenienti dall’antica Misterbianco – Paintings and wooden sculptures of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, rescued from the churches of the ancient village destroyed by the 1669 eruption.
- Operated by
- Fondazione culturale Monasterium Album ETS
- Visitors per year
- approx. 200
Admission & discounts
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Free under 6; reduced from 6 to 18. |
|---|---|
| Seniors | –Reduced rate for people over 75. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –People with disabilities are exempt from the ticket. |
| Groups | –A discount may be granted for groups of more than 15 people. School visits have their own rate. |
Ticket prices are not published. Free for members who are up to date with their subscription on opening days, and for journalists registered with the professional register. Payment in cash before entry.
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 museum is in the crypt of the Chiesa Madre. No information is published on access conditions for people with reduced mobility. People with disabilities are exempt from the ticket.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
Access is from the crypts of the Chiesa Madre of Misterbianco, from via Madonna delle Grazie.
Get directionsAmenities & 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 |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photographing and filming inside the sites is prohibited, unless authorised for scientific purposes. |
| Good to know | Visits are guided and are booked by calling 388 886 8000 or writing to info@monasteriumalbum.it. Requests for study visits must be submitted in writing at least 15 days in advance. The archaeological site of Campanarazzu and the ancient mother church are currently closed for extraordinary maintenance work. |
