Palazzo Abatellis

Overview

Palazzo Abatellis houses the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia, the island's most important collection of medieval and Renaissance art, inside a late-Gothic palazzo. The star piece is Antonello da Messina's luminous Annunziata.

Highlights

• Annunziata by Antonello da Messina: A serene Virgin reading at a lectern, considered a Renaissance masterpiece.
• Triumph of Death Fresco: A monumental 15th-century fresco depicting Death on horseback, originally from Palazzo Sclafani.
• Eleanor of Aragon Bust: A delicate marble portrait by Francesco Laurana.

History

The palazzo was built in 1490 for Francesco Abatellis, a Catalan-born port master. Architect Carlo Scarpa redesigned the gallery's interior layout in the 1950s, creating an influential display concept.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Allow extra time for the Triumph of Death — it occupies an entire wall.
• Tip 2: Free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.