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Villa Cattolica: Art, History, and Sicilian Culture

Explore Sicilian art and history at Villa Cattolica, home to the Renato Guttuso Museum in beautiful Bagheria.

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Villa Cattolica, located in Bagheria, is a stunning Baroque villa that houses the Renato Guttuso Museum. The museum showcases a vast collection of works by the celebrated Sicilian painter Renato Guttuso, along with pieces by other 20th-century artists, offering a deep dive into Sicily's artistic heritage.

A brief summary to Villa Cattolica (Museu Rinatu Guttusu)

  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and have a more intimate experience with the art.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and special events to enhance your visit.
  • Take your time exploring the ethnographic section, which features traditional Sicilian carts and film posters.
  • Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants near Villa Cattolica to savor local cuisine.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Bagheria, Villa Cattolica is accessible by walking. Start near the train station on Via Mongerbino, head south, then turn left onto Corso Umberto I. Continue onto Via Città di Palermo, then turn right onto Via Rammacca. The walk is approximately 1.5 km and takes about 20 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Bagheria train station, local buses connect the station with the town and surrounding areas. Take a bus that heads towards the city center and get off near Villa Cattolica. The bus ride is short, costing around €1-€2. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the villa.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Bagheria, especially near the train station. A taxi ride from the Bagheria train station to Villa Cattolica is a short trip, costing approximately €10-€15. Ensure the meter is running or negotiate the fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Villa Cattolica (Museu Rinatu Guttusu)

Villa Cattolica, an architectural jewel in Bagheria, is home to the Renato Guttuso Museum, a tribute to one of Sicily's most important 20th-century artists. Built in 1736 by Francesco Bonanno, Prince of Cattolica, the villa itself is a masterpiece of Baroque design, featuring a quadrangular shape with two parallel exedras. High crenellated walls surround the villa, giving it the appearance of a castle. Originally known as “Villa Roccafiorita,” the villa has a rich history, serving as a noble summer residence, a cholera hospital, and even barracks for Bourbon troops. In 1973, Renato Guttuso donated many of his works to his hometown of Bagheria, leading to the creation of the museum within the villa's noble floor. The museum officially opened in 1973, displaying Guttuso's paintings, sculptures, drawings and engravings. The museum is structured on three floors and features works spanning Guttuso's career, from the 1930s to his last creations. Visitors can admire Guttuso's iconic paintings, including depictions of Sicilian life, landscapes, and portraits. The museum also hosts an ethnographic section with intricately carved and decorated Sicilian carts, and a collection of film posters donated by the Lo Medico brothers. Since 2004, the museum has included a section dedicated to film posters. In 1990, Guttuso's monumental sarcophagus, designed by Giacomo Manzù, was placed in the villa's northern exedra, fulfilling the artist's wish to face the sea.

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