Diocesan Museum, Amalfi
The Diocesan Museum in Amalfi is undoubtedly an important container of the works of art of the province of Salerno. This place is not original, but it corresponds to the restored structure of the diocesan seminary with a library and archives. In the art museum, the treasures of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Amalfi-Cava de’Tirreni are kept.
History of the Diocesan Museum in Amalfi
The museum is located in the basilica of the Crucifix (Basilica del Crocifisso), originally a cathedral church, whose origins date back to 596. In 1100, next to it, a new cathedral was built and together they formed a single Romanesque church with six aisles. Later, during the Baroque era, they were covered with marble and plaster, and restored as two separate churches.
With the restoration of the Basilica del Crocifisso, which was completed in 1994, the baroque style was lost. But as a result of this, you can see preserved significant part of the medieval structure with a gallery of single and double windows that filter and distribute the magnificent light.
The museum consists of four sections:
- a monastery built between 1266 and 1268;
- wall paintings – murals and frescoes dating from the 13th and 14th centuries;
- the treasury of the cathedral – precious liturgical objects and sacred chapters;
- valuable paintings and sculptures.
Exposition of the museum
The artistic heritage of the museum includes works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Here you can see:
- "Elephants" from Salerno: the largest and most complete collection of stained-glass tablets made of ivory (the first half of the 12th century) of the Christian Middle Ages in the world. 67 pieces, 37 of which illustrate scenes from the Old and New Testaments are stored here.
- The illuminated Exultet scroll, consisting of 11 parchment sheets illustrating the Easter proclamation (praeconium paschale), dating from the end of the first half of the 13th century.
- Cross "Crucifixion" by Roberto de Oderizio, early 18th century.
- Pictures of the school of Caravaggio. Mostly works of the 17th century.
- In the light corridors leading to the halls, part of the collection of coins of Ancient Greece, the Roman Republic, the Roman Empire is located.
In addition to the works exhibited in the museum, there are paintings made out of wood and paintings, dating from 14 to 20 century. The precious codes of the 11th century and illuminated scrolls are worthy of attention. It is also worth seeing the gold collection works and some archaeological finds of the early Middle Ages.
How to get there
The Diocesan Museum in Amalfi is located in the Basilica del Crocifisso, near the Cathedral of Amalfi on the Via Salita Episcopio. Nearby there is the road SS163, where you will find many local public transport routes. Landmarks – Hotel Fontana and supermarket La Valle Dei Mulini.
