Museo Mandralisca, Art museum in Cefalù, Italy.
The Museo Mandralisca is an art museum in Cefalù housed in a historic building spread across multiple floors. Its collection spans paintings, archaeological finds, coins, shells, and period furnishings that reflect different eras.
Baron Enrico Pirajno di Mandralisca founded the museum in 1842 by donating his entire personal collection to establish a public educational space. The building and its contents reflect the baron's passion for both art and natural sciences.
The museum displays a celebrated portrait by Antonello da Messina showing Francesco Vitale, a 15th-century bishop from the region. This painting is one of the most recognizable works in Italian Renaissance art.
The museum is centrally located in Cefalù's old town and is easily reached on foot. Displays are spread across several levels, so wear comfortable shoes and allow time to browse the different sections.
The museum houses an extensive collection of shells and marine specimens that Baron Mandralisca personally gathered during his scientific travels. This natural history collection shows the wide-ranging interests of a wealthy 19th-century collector beyond fine art alone.
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