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Hidden among the busy streets of Genoa, the Diocesan Museum is a cultural gem just waiting to be discovered. Located near the majestic Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the sumptuous Ducal Palace, this museum offers a fascinating journey through the city's art and history. Explore the hidden wonders within this Romanesque cloister and discover the thousand-year history of Genoa through its eclectic collections.
A unique architectural history
The building that houses the Diocesan Museum has a fascinating architectural history. Built in the late 12th century as the residence of the Canons of the Cathedral, the building was erected on an area that had already seen settlements in Roman times. This complex structure reveals signs of the many interventions over time, making it an architectural artifact of great interest. In addition to the works of art, the building itself is reason enough to visit the museum.
The Diocesan Museum
The Diocesan Museum in Genoa houses a large and varied collection of artworks spanning different historical periods. Among the most significant works is the Polyptych of St. Bartholomew by Barnabas of Modena, a 14th-century masterpiece that shines with its gilded backdrop. The altarpieces in the museum evoke the high quality of painting in Genoa between the 16th and 18th centuries, with illustrious names such as Perin del Vaga, Luca Cambiaso, Domenico Fiasella, and Gregorio De Ferrari.
The museum's collections also include funerary monuments, including that of Luca Fieschi, a unique example in fourteenth-century sculptural art. These works testify to the Christian tradition and splendors of a Genoa that, in 1637, had crowned the Virgin Mary "Queen of the City." A heritage of inestimable value that reveals the deep connection between art and faith in the city's history.
The Passion Cloths and the Origin of the Blue Jeans
Among the most amazing wonders of the Diocesan Museum are the "Passion Cloths". These drapes were mounted during Holy Week to create a theatrical setting in which the faithful could contemplate the Passion of Christ. These fabrics, made of linen and decorated with monochromatic white lead paintings, date back to 1538 and offer a fascinating insight into the faith and religious tradition of the time.
What makes this story even more extraordinary is the connection to the origin of "blue jeans". These fabrics were initially dyed with indigo, an inexpensive blue vegetable dye. This blue cloth became so popular among the fabrics of the less well-off that it was called "Genoa blue" in French, "Bleu Gênes", and later "blue jeans" in English. Thus, from an element of religious devotion in the 16th century came one of the icons of world fashion.
Hours, tickets and accessibility
Opening hours:
Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday: closed
Wednesday and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The ticket allows you to explore the permanent collection, cloister, and temporary exhibitions. We recommend booking the ticket online in advance to avoid long waits, but you can also purchase tickets on site.
Ticket prices:
Full Admission, Euro 8.00
Reduced Admission, Euro 6.00
There are special rates for groups of more than 10 people, Law Enforcement, Treasure Museum ticket concessions, and accredited scholars with permission from the Museum Management.
Admission is free for children up to age 6 and other special categories.
In terms of accessibility, the Diocesan Museum of Genoa is attentive to the needs of people with mobility disabilities. The museum route is almost completely accessible thanks to an elevator located at the base and facilitated routes. It is important to note that some rooms, including those containing the "Passion Cloths," have steps and may not be accessible for those with mobility impairments.
How to get to the museum
There are several options for reaching the Diocesan Museum of Genoa, located at Via Tommaso Reggio 20r, from the Hotel Astoria. The area is easily reached on foot, taking a pleasant walk through the streets of the city center. Alternatively, you can opt for a short subway ride, getting off at the "De Ferrari" stop.
If you prefer a more direct transportation option, you can contact Hotel Astoria's front desk to request a taxi. The hotel staff will be happy to assist you in organizing your transportation to the Diocesan Museum.