Complesso monumentale di Santa Croce e Tutti i Santi
Dominican church and convent commissioned by Pius V at Bosco Marengo, with the Museo di Santa Croce and the panels by Giorgio Vasari for the high altar.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The complex was founded at the wish of Pius V (Antonio Michele Ghislieri), born in Bosco Marengo in 1504, who in 1566, having become pope, entrusted the Dominican order, to which he belonged, with the construction of a large convent and church in his native village. The architecture and works of art reflect the artistic developments of 16th-century Rome and Florence, with the involvement of Giorgio Vasari and his workshop.
The suppression of the Dominican order in 1809 led to improper uses and to the decline of the buildings. Major restorations begun at the end of the 20th century restored the church and convent to their original appearance. The museum is housed in the former sacristy and chapter house. The first room opened in October 2011, and its core consists of the panels painted by Vasari and his workshop for the high altar of the church, the so-called “Macchina Vasariana”, dismantled in 1712.
In 2016 the complex came second in the FAI census “I Luoghi del Cuore”. The funds raised made possible a new display, reopened on 7 July 2022. The route, designed by Loredana Iacopino, brings together most of the works of the convent – paintings, liturgical objects, vestments and books associated with Pius V – with interactive audiovisual aids.
Highlights
- Panels by Giorgio Vasari and his workshop from the “Macchina Vasariana”
- Vasari's Martyrdom of Saint Peter of Verona
- Objects, vestments and books associated with Pope Pius V
- 16th-century Dominican church and convent
- Route with lights, sounds and interactive audiovisual aids
Permanent exhibition
- Museo di Santa Croce – Route through the rooms of the former convent, with the panels by Vasari and his workshop for the high altar, paintings, silverware, vestments and books associated with Pius V.
- Founded
- 2011
- Operated by
- Comune di Bosco Marengo
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5students aged 13 to 24 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 12 · Free admission up to 12 years. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €5Students aged 13 to 24. |
| Groups (11+ people) | €6 per personGroups of more than 10 people. |
| Museum only (with guided tour of the church and museum) | €5 |
The standard ticket includes the guided tour of the church, the convent and the museum.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The convent and church can be reached along a tree-lined avenue, which is accessible, with ample parking and access ramps for people with disabilities.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Ample parking at the complex.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | All tickets include guided tours of the sectors included. Visits are accompanied by volunteers of the Associazione Amici di Santa Croce; the museum route includes interactive audiovisual aids. |
