Musei Civici di Palazzo d'Avalos

About the museum

Palazzo d'Avalos, overlooking the sea, is one of the most significant examples of Abruzzese Renaissance architecture of the second half of the 16th century, in the Roman style. It rose on Roman and early medieval remains and incorporated the remains of the 15th-century Caldora building, devastated in 1566 by the raid of the Turkish armies of Pialy Pascià. During the three centuries of d'Avalos rule, from the late 15th century to the French occupation of 1799, the palace took on the appearance of a royal residence, the seat of a small local court.

After the d'Avalos left, the rooms were divided into apartments and workshops. In 1974 the Comune di Vasto completed the acquisition of the d'Avalos share, and restoration of the complex began.

Today the palace houses the civic museums: the Archaeological Museum, which documents the history of the town and its territory; the Pinacoteca, with works by the Palizzi family of painters; the contemporary art gallery “Mediterranea”, with artists from Italy and Spain; and the Museum of Ancient Costume, with paintings of traditional clothing and Abruzzese garments from the early 19th to the early 20th century. The Neapolitan garden, restored to its late 18th-century layout, overlooks the sea; the complex also has rooms for events and temporary exhibitions.

Highlights

• Archaeological Museum with finds from Histonium
• Pinacoteca with works by the Palizzi family
• Contemporary art gallery “Mediterranea”
• Museum of Ancient Costume with Abruzzese garments
• Neapolitan garden overlooking the sea

Permanent exhibitions

• Museo Archeologico – Finds documenting the history of the city of Histonium and its territory, including an important Roman mosaic floor.
• Pinacoteca – Works by the Palizzi family of painters, including Filippo Palizzi, and by Francesco Paolo Michetti.
• Museo del Costume Antico – Paintings of traditional clothing and Abruzzese garments from the early 19th to the early 20th century.

Operated by

Comune di Vasto

Admission & discounts

Combined ticket of €6 (reduced €4) for the Archaeological Museum, Pinacoteca, the Galleria “Mediterranea”, the Neapolitan Gardens and the Museum of Costume (rates in force since January 2024). Free admission also for EU tourist guides and interpreters, ICOM members, Ministry of Culture staff and teachers accompanying classes. Temporary exhibitions are free and have a separate route.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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