Complesso museale di San Francesco
Civic museum in the church and former Franciscan convent of Montefalco, with the cycle by Benozzo Gozzoli, the picture gallery, the archaeological section and the friars' cellars.
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About the museum
The church of San Francesco was built by the Friars Minor between 1335 and 1338 and is the third Franciscan settlement in the Montefalco area, but the first within the walls. The friars remained until 1861–1863; after the confiscation of ecclesiastical property the convent was used as a civil hospital, while the church passed to the Comune and from 1895 became the seat of the civic museum, housing works of art from the suppressed religious communities.
The heart of the route is the church, with the chapel of San Girolamo and the apse frescoed by Benozzo Gozzoli, who in 1452 painted the Storie della vita di san Francesco, one of the most important Renaissance cycles in Umbria. On the counter-façade is a fresco by Perugino of 1503; Jacopo Vincioli, Giovanni di Corraduccio and Ascensidonio Spacca also worked in the side chapels.
The civic picture gallery holds works by Francesco Melanzio, detached frescoes and paintings from the circle of Nicolò Alunno and Antoniazzo Romano. In the crypt, under the apse, the archaeological section is displayed, with material from the 1st century BC to the 16th century AD from the local area. Since 2006 the friars' ancient cellars can also be visited, with objects from the 18th and 19th centuries related to grape and wine production; the complex also has spaces for contemporary art exhibitions.
Highlights
- Storie della vita di san Francesco by Benozzo Gozzoli (1452)
- Fresco by Perugino on the counter-façade (1503)
- Civic picture gallery with works by Francesco Melanzio
- Archaeological section in the crypt
- Friars' cellars with objects for wine production
Permanent exhibitions
- Storie della vita di san Francesco di Benozzo Gozzoli – Fresco cycle of 1452 in the apse and in the chapel of San Girolamo of the church of San Francesco.
- Pinacoteca civica – Paintings and detached frescoes from the churches of the area, with works by Francesco Melanzio and from the circle of Alunno.
- Sezione archeologica e cantine dei frati – Finds from the 1st century BC to the 16th century in the crypt and in the rooms of the former convent, with objects related to wine production.
- Visitors per year
- approx. 22,874
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8Groups of at least 15 people, young people aged 15 to 25, members of the Touring Club Italiano and the FAI |
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 5 · Young people aged 6 to 14: €4. Free admission up to age 5. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €8 per personGroups of at least 15 people. |
Free admission also for ICOM members, accredited journalists, licensed tour guides, group escorts, school classes carrying out educational activities, and residents of the Comune di Montefalco. Tickets can also be bought online.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The museum organises educational activities for schools and families, and workshops.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum shop offers publications on the art and traditions of the area, gift items and local products.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The museum offers guided tours, tours and experiences, workshops, tastings and educational activities; a virtual visit (MUSA – Museo Sempre Aperto) is also available on the website. |
