Kouros of Leontinoi returns to Lentini archaeological museum

The Kouros of Leontinoi, a precious marble statue dating back to the 5th century BCE, has returned to the Regional Archaeological Museum of Lentini. The artifact had been temporarily moved to Catania for exhibition.

The statue is composed of two distinct parts: the ‘Biscari head’ from the Prince Biscari collection in Catania and the ‘Leontinoi torso’ previously held at the Paolo Orsi Museum in Syracuse. These elements were reassembled in 2018 following archeometric and petrographic investigations. The sculpture, carved from Parian marble, has previously been exhibited in Athens, Catania, and Syracuse.

Local officials, including Agostino Messana, director of the Archaeological Park of Leontinoi and Megara, described the move as a ‘return home’ since both components were originally recovered from the Lentini territory. The return is expected to enhance the cultural attractiveness of the region and support the upcoming opening of the Leontinoi archaeological park.