Termini Imerese: the Baldassare Romano Civic Museum — a journey through

Termini Imerese: visiting the Baldassare Romano Civic Museum

Located in the historic centre of Termini Imerese, the Baldassare Romano Civic Museum brings together archaeological artifacts, fine art and natural history collections. Its layered architecture and diverse holdings make it a key cultural stop in northern Sicily.

Founded in the 19th century, the museum houses materials spanning prehistory to the modern era. The building itself includes elements from the 14th and 15th centuries and a frescoed chapel, offering visitors both artistic and historical interest.

Main sections

• Archaeological section of Himera: coins, ceramics, architectural fragments and everyday objects that illustrate the area’s strategic role in the ancient Mediterranean.
• Picture gallery (Pinacoteca): sacred and secular paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, highlighted by a notable triptych attributed to Gaspare da Pesaro.
• 19th-century and civic memory section: documents and works that reconstruct Termini Imerese’s local history.
• Natural history collections: mineralogical and malacological specimens that complete the museum’s regional perspective.
• Rooms dedicated to Filippo Sgarlata: a display honoring the local sculptor.

Highlights

• The portrait of Giulia Drusilla (1st century AD) and Latin, Arabic and Norman inscriptions.
• A Madonna and Child relief attributed to the Gagini workshop and a terracotta bozzetto linked to Bernini.
• The Gaspare da Pesaro triptych and other notable paintings in the pinacoteca.

Practical information

• Location: Via Marco Tullio Cicerone, a short walk from Termini Imerese Cathedral.
• Average visit time: about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (morning and afternoon); closed on Monday.

Recently the museum joined a regional network of municipal museums aimed at increasing cooperation, visibility and shared projects. This helps small centres showcase their cultural assets, opening opportunities for conservation, educational activities and broader promotion.

Visitor tips: arrange guided tours during busy periods, and allow sufficient time for both the archaeological and art sections to fully appreciate the museum’s chronological and thematic breadth.