Randazzo: Museo Archeologico "Paolo Vagliasindi"

Temporary seat: Piazza L. Rabatà 2 95036 Randazzo tel. 095/7991214.

Opending hours: 9 A.M. - 6 P.M.; tours can be reserved at the Town Hall of Randazzo, Tourist Office tel. 095/921028 - 7991450 Entrance: Free. Services: Guided tours, archive. Transport from Catania: AST and SAIS bus services.

The collection Vagliasindi is one of the most important archeological evidence of the Etnean area. Founded after the excavation made by the Baron Paolo Vagliasindi on his properties of Contrada Sant'Anastasia, the collection is above all composed by vase findings, of the Greek age, which go from the VI to the end of the IV century B.C.. 700 ceramic findings of the Greek age, 70 Greek and Roman bronze findings, 17 Greek, Roman and medieval iron findings have been catalogued. The group of most ancient ceramics has been constituted by the Corinthian production, brought to Sicily from the first moments of Greek colonization. The characteristic of these terracottas is the slightly green colour of the clay and the shapes, such as the aryballos (small vase for perfumes and oils) and the pyx (vase with cover for cosmetic purposes). The most famous vase of the collection dates back to the end of the V century: the oinochoe Vagliasindi. Its importance is linked to the particular refinement with which the characters of the decoration, in the technique of the red characters, and to the rarity of the represented myth, that is the one of the Harpies who punish the blind king Fineo, who is helped by the Boreadi. Among the most famous works of the collection we must remember the four golden plated ram-head heliches, objects of high goldsmith's art of the elenic period, and the golden plated medallion representing Eracle's head covered by the leontè (the skin of lion Nemeo killed during one of its efforts).

Provincial Tourism Board of Catania
http://www.apt-catania.com
E-mail : apt@apt-catania.com