Museo Diocesano of Monreale

The Museum occupies one of the wings of the Episcopal Palace, which adjoins the altar part of the Cathedral of Monreale. The expositions are spread over three floors.

It contains relics and valuables belonging to the diocese, as well as objects of religious utensils and art donated by collectors.

You can see a large number of masterpieces of painting, sculpture, tableware, furniture, clothing and other items of Christian culture from the Roman Empire to the end of the 19th century. This is one of the richest diocesan museums I have ever visited.

The museum is open daily except Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm, with a break from 1 pm to 2 pm. The ticket price is from 4 to 7 euros, but for the maximum price you can also visit the Roano Chapel, the north transept and the terrace.

Pastoral staff (Baculo pastoral), a sign of the episcopal office. Made in Sicily in the 19th century, the design uses gold, silver, embossed and cast details, ivory, precious stones.

Bishop's liturgical shoes (Sandalia).

The hall named after the collector Salvatore Renda (1906-1992) features items that he bequeathed to the Montreal Museum after his death. Here you can see an old clock with cases made of dark wood, with gilded ornaments and sculptures and paintings.

Copy of the urn of Saint Agatha, made of embossed silver in the form of the nave of a Gothic cathedral, richly decorated with bas-reliefs and figures of saints, first half of the 19th century.

Reliquary (Argentiere) made in Palermo in 1669 with the coat of arms of Cardinal Ludovico II. Each drawer is decorated with a unique embossed silver painting.

The window from the hall opens onto the courtyard (cloister), which is decorated with galleries with carved columns.

Brocade bishop's cape made by Italian masters of the 18th century.

Bishop's chair and Palanquin (Portantina) - a cabin that was carried on two poles by porters. The palanquin was used to transport VIPs over short distances. These objects are made by Sicilian craftsmen of the late XVIII century from carved and gilded wood, bronze, leather, silk.

Collection of table china.

A 16th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene (Scarabatolla) depicting a fisherman boy. It is made of wax and painted with oil paints.

Climbing the stairs from floor to floor, do not forget to look out of the windows, You will find very interesting views of the interior and exterior parts of the cathedral.

From the window of the upper hall, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the surrounding area of Monreale.

Between Monreale and the mountains lies the densely populated Golden Valley (Conca d'Oro).