Museo Nazionale Di San Matteo - Pisa

Museums are an essential part of human society as they not only allow us to preserve our past but also allow us to understand the beauty of various cultures. One such museum that has garnered a lot of attention is the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo in Pisa. This breathtaking museum showcases some of the most exquisite art and artifacts that Pisa has to offer.

The Museo Nazionale di San Matteo is situated just a few steps away from the well-known Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is a beautiful palace that has been transformed into a museum, housing some fantastic art from the 12th to the 14th century. It is stated that the original building was close to the shores of the Arno River, which was known to be quite influential in the trade and commerce of Pisa during the middle ages.

The museum offers a plethora of exhibits that depict the religious, artistic, and social transformation of Pisa. Among the most notable items of the museum are the beautiful crucifixes of the 12th century that were a part of the once magnificent Romanesque cathedral that was destroyed in the Second World War. The museum also houses many art pieces from the 14th century, known as the age of the Pisane Republic, where Pisan artists were renowned for their skills in architecture and sculpture. The museum also features many rare pieces, making its collection all the more valuable.

The Museo Nazionale di San Matteo is a museum that has something for everyone. It is an excellent place for historians who want to explore and understand the era that has shaped and molded the region. The museum also offers a great learning opportunity to art enthusiasts, allowing them to explore the art and artistic influences that dominated the region during the middle ages. Even children would love this museum as it has a lot of exciting sculptures and art offerings that would surely capture their imagination.

The museum houses several galleries, each containing different exhibits. The first room is dedicated to the works of some famous sculptors of the 12th and 13th centuries. One can also find beautiful chapels and tombs in this space. The second gallery is called Sala Capitolare, which houses a unique artistic collection that showcases some fantastic mosaics from both the Byzantine and Roman times. There are also some significant terracotta sculptures from the 15th and 16th centuries that are awe-inspiring.

The third gallery is called Sala della Repubblica, offering a unique glimpse into the profound political culture of the region. The gallery shows several paintings of the city's leaders, and visitors can see how they lived and how they interacted. If you want to witness the art of Italy, the fourth gallery, also known as Sala del Romanico, is the right place for you. The gallery boasts several beautiful art pieces from the 12th and 13th centuries, including statues, frescoes, and other artifacts that give one a unique insight into this time period.

The fifth gallery is called Sala del Trecento, which houses some of the most extraordinary works of the region's artists from the 14th century. The exhibits contain some of the most notable art pieces, such as the works of Francesco Traini, the famous painter and muralist of the time. Another beautiful piece on display in this gallery is the painting "Madonna col Bambino" by Taddeo di Bartolo, which is a must-see exhibit.

The sixth gallery is by far, one of the most popular galleries of the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo. It features a fantastic exhibition of the Pisane Schools, the famous artistic movement of Pisa during the 14th century. Some notable art pieces from this gallery are Beato Angelico's masterpieces, the Terracotta Madonna, and the splendid painted crucifix by Federico Baroccio. The seventh gallery, or the Sala delle Cimabue, is named after the famous artist, known for his contributions to Proto-Renaissance painting. This gallery houses some of the most spectacular contributions of the artist, including works such as "Storie di Maria" and "Storie di Cristo."

The eighth and final gallery is called Ammannati Gallery and hosts some of the city's lesser-known artistic treasures. The gallery has over 30 works of art by the local artists of Pisa and offers a unique insight into the city's history.

History

The Museo Nazionale di San Matteo started, much like many other museums, as a collection of artworks that were gathered together and placed in the church of San Matteo. The collection started in the 14th century and housed some splendid works of art, including an impressive 13th-century crucifix that was later transferred to the new cathedral in Pisa. Later on, in the 16th century, the collection was moved to the historical Palazzo Altemps, where it was finally converted into a museum in the 19th century.

Address

The Museo Nazionale di San Matteo is situated in Piazza San Matteo in Soarta, Pisa.

FAQ

1. What are the museum's opening hours?

The museum is open from 8:30 in the morning till 7:30 in the evening from Monday to Saturday.

2. What is the admission fee?

The admission fee for adults is 7,00 Euros, and for students, it is 3,50 Euros.

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3. Are there guided tours available?

Yes, there are guided tours available for the museum, and visitors can book these tours via the museum's official website.

4. How long does it take to tour the museum?

The museum is vast, and it takes about two to three hours to tour all the galleries.

5. Is there parking available for visitors?

Yes, there is paid parking available near the museum premises, and visitors can park their cars there.

The Museo Nazionale di San Matteo is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Pisa. Its vast collection of art and artifacts offers visitors a unique insight into a time that is otherwise lost to history. The museum is a must-visit for anyone who wants to understand the artistic and religious culture of the region.