I Benedettini e l'Antichità nel Regno: antiquaria e archeologia nel museo e nella biblioteca del monastero di Catania

The aim of this paper is to illustrate the important contribution of the Benedictine monks of Catania to antiquarian and archeological studies in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Like an integrated museum system, the Benedictine Museum and the Library of the Monastery of San Nicolò L' Arena, represent one of the most successful examples of 18th century Sicilian collecting, together with the experience of the Palazzo Biscari Museum. In mapping out the training events of the museum and the ancient Benedictine library, the research has entered into the broad and versatile nature of Benedictine collections, focusing mainly on the antiquarian and archaeological interest of the benedectine monks. In particular, the survey focused on the antiquarian and archaeological core of the rich Benedictine library and its close relationship with the museum adjacent to it. Thus, a detailed study of the manuscripts and of the conspicuos number of printed volumes of antiquarian and archaeological content belonging to the Benedictine Fund has been drawn up. In relation to the antiquity of the Kingdom, it was useful to proceed to a comparative reading between library and museum to better focus on the Benedictine interests