Assisi museums are a treasure trove of art and history, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city. From the stunning frescoes of the Basilica of St. Francis to the medieval masterpieces of the Pinacoteca Civica, there is something for every art lover and history buff to enjoy. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular museums in Assisi, providing as much information as possible about each of them.
Basilica of St. Francis
The Basilica of St. Francis is one of the most important religious sites in Italy, and it is home to some of the most beautiful frescoes in the world. The basilica is divided into two levels, the Upper Church and the Lower Church, each of which houses a number of important artworks.
Upper Church
The Upper Church is the most famous part of the basilica, and it is here that you will find the stunning frescoes of the Life of St. Francis, painted by Giotto and his workshop in the early 14th century. These frescoes are considered to be some of the greatest works of Italian art, and they are a must-see for anyone visiting Assisi.
Lower Church
The Lower Church is also home to a number of important artworks, including the frescoes of the Life of St. Clare, painted by Simone Martini and his workshop in the early 14th century. Visitors can also see the tomb of St. Francis, which is located in the Lower Church, as well as a number of other religious artifacts.
Availability of guided tours
Guided tours of the Basilica of St. Francis are available in several languages, and they are a great way to learn more about the history and art of the basilica. Visitors can also take a self-guided audio tour, which is available in several languages.
Pinacoteca Civica
The Pinacoteca Civica is a public art museum that is located in the Palazzo Comunale, in the heart of Assisi. The museum houses a collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts.
Types of art and artifacts on display
The Pinacoteca Civica has a wide variety of art and artifacts on display, including paintings by some of the most famous artists of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, such as Cimabue, Giotto, and Simone Martini. The museum also has a collection of sculptures, including works by Giovanni Pisano and Nicola Pisano, as well as a number of important manuscripts and other artifacts.
Special exhibitions
The Pinacoteca Civica often hosts special exhibitions, which focus on specific artists or themes. These exhibitions provide visitors with an opportunity to see artworks that are not usually on display in the museum.
Availability of guided tours
Guided tours of the Pinacoteca Civica are available in several languages, and they are a great way to learn more about the history and art of the museum. Visitors can also take a self-guided audio tour, which is available in several languages.
Museo Civico d’Arte Medievale
The Museo Civico d’Arte Medievale is a public art museum that is located in the Palazzo dei Priori, in the heart of Assisi. The museum is dedicated to medieval art and artifacts, and it features a wide variety of artworks from the 13th to the 15th century.
Types of art and artifacts on display
The Museo Civico d’Arte Medievale has a diverse collection of art and artifacts on display, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and metalwork. The museum’s collection includes works by some of the most important artists of the medieval period, such as Cimabue, Giunta Pisano, and the school of Duccio. The museum also has a collection of reliquaries, altar frontals, and other religious artifacts from the medieval period.
Special exhibitions
The Museo Civico d’Arte Medievale regularly hosts special exhibitions, which focus on specific artists or themes. These exhibitions provide visitors with an opportunity to see artworks that are not usually on display in the museum.
Availability of guided tours
Guided tours of the Museo Civico d’Arte Medievale are available in several languages, and they are a great way to learn more about the history and art of the museum. Visitors can also take a self-guided audio tour, which is available in several languages.
In conclusion, Assisi museums are a must-see for anyone visiting this beautiful and historic city. Whether you are a fan of medieval art and history, or simply looking to explore the cultural heritage of the region, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Assisi. With a diverse range of art and artifacts on display, special exhibitions, and guided tours available in multiple languages, these museums are a perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city.