The Assisi Diocesan Museum, known locally as Museo diocesano e cripta di San Rufino, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Assisi, Italy. This captivating museum offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of religious and cultural history that defines the region. Situated beneath the Assisi Cathedral, the museum is not just a repository of art and artifacts but a journey through time itself.
The origins of the Assisi Diocesan Museum trace back to the establishment of the Cathedral Museum in 1941 by Bishop Giuseppe Placido Nicolini. Initially designed to preserve significant works from the cathedral and various local oratories, the museum was housed in the parish house with limited access. It wasn't until the 1990s that Bishop Sergio Goretti initiated a transformative project to expand and enhance the museum's facilities. Following the Jubilee Year and post-earthquake restorations in 1997, the museum found its current home in the beautifully restored crypt and cloisters of the cathedral. Officially opened to the public in 2006, the museum now spans two levels, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors.
As you step into the Assisi Diocesan Museum, you are greeted by a collection of approximately 300 artworks, with nearly a hundred on display across nine distinct sections. The journey begins in the Corridor, where you can marvel at archaeological finds, including intricately carved limestone capitals and Roman sarcophagi dating back to the 2nd century AD.
In the Sala del Maestro della Santa Chiara, visitors can admire detached frescoes attributed to the anonymous 13th-century artist known as the Master of Santa Chiara. These frescoes once adorned the ancient cathedral and now serve as a testament to the artistic prowess of the era.
The Sala Nicolò Alunno is a treasure trove of religious art, featuring the stunning Polyptych of San Rufino by the renowned painter Nicolò di Liberatore, also known as l'Alunno. This masterpiece, completed in 1462, vividly depicts the martyrdom and miraculous discovery of the remains of Saint Rufino, the patron saint of Assisi. The room also houses sacred furnishings and liturgical vestments from the 17th to 19th centuries, offering a glimpse into the spiritual life of the past.
Descending into the Crypt of San Rufino, visitors find themselves in a captivating Romanesque architectural marvel from the 11th century. The crypt, with its three naves, apse, and cross-vaulted ceilings, is adorned with symbols of the four evangelists. Here, the Roman sarcophagus depicting the myth of Selene and Endymion serves as the final resting place of Saint Rufino. The crypt is also a place of historical significance, as it is believed to have been a retreat for Saint Francis of Assisi during his time of prayer and reflection.
The 11th-century cloister, with its elegant twin arches and Roman well, offers a serene escape within the museum. The surrounding rooms, known as the Sale della Diocesi, house an array of artworks from across the diocese, including a remarkable edicule by Matteo da Gualdo.
In the Sala delle Confraternite, visitors can explore exquisite furnishings and processional banners from Assisi's oratories. Among the highlights is a banner painted by Orazio Riminaldi for the Confraternity of Santa Caterina, depicting the martyrdom of Saint Catherine and the figures of Saints James and Anthony Abbot.
The Lapidario section showcases stone artifacts unearthed during excavations around the cathedral, while the Sala Sermei, inaugurated in 2014, displays liturgical objects, silverware, and paintings by the Umbrian artist Cesare Sermei. Notable pieces include the silver reliquary bust of Saint Rufino and Sermei's large canvas depicting Saint Francis blessing Assisi.
The Sala Perkins, named after art historian Frederick Mason Perkins, features a collection of 32 artworks donated to the Diocese of Assisi. Among these treasures are a Madonna attributed to the circle of Francesco di Giorgio Martini and a 14th-century Dormitio Virginis attributed to Jacopo Avanzi, recovered from Nazi looting during World War II.
In conclusion, the Assisi Diocesan Museum is not merely a museum but a portal into the spiritual and artistic heritage of Assisi. Its walls echo with stories of faith, artistry, and history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this enchanting Italian city.
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