A tribute born from devotion — where faith, art, and memory intertwine in the heart of Reggio Calabria.

Where Sacred Art Tells the Story of Reggio Calabria’s Soul

Hidden in the upper district of Reggio Calabria, the Piccolo Museo San Paolo stands as a tribute to one man’s devotion to beauty and faith. Indeed, it was founded in the 1970s by Francesco Gangemi, a cultured priest and passionate art collector. Consequently, the museum preserves centuries of sacred art that reflect Calabria’s spiritual and artistic soul. Moreover, every room tells a tale of devotion, craftsmanship, and history. Together, these rooms transform the small museum into a genuine treasure of identity and memory.

The collection ranges from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century. In addition, it includes more than 130 paintings. For example, visitors admire Saint Michael the Archangel, attributed to Antonello da Messina. Also notable is Our Lady of Sorrows among Angels by Antonino Cilea (1711). Furthermore, the museum displays a precious selection of silverware crafted between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. Some pieces, moreover, were created by Filippo Juvarra, whose refined artistry lends divine elegance to each object.

Beyond paintings and silver, the museum surprises again. Its extraordinary collection of icons counts around 180 works dated from the fourteenth to the twentieth century. Thus, it bridges Eastern European and Balkan cultural traditions. Among the highlights are the Madonna with Child and Saint Gerasimos, of Calabrian origin, and a rare Calendar of Saints from Lithuania. Additionally, visitors can see medieval and seventeenth-century sculptures found in Calabria and Sicily. Finally, the experience continues with archaeological finds, ancient coins, and rare manuscripts. Altogether, these elements create an inspiring journey through time, faith, and culture.