La Scarzuola

About the museum

The name derives from the “scarza”, a marsh plant with which, according to tradition, St Francis built a hut on this site in 1218. The counts of Marsciano had a church and a convent built here, entrusted to the Friars Minor; the complex remained active until the late 18th century, when it passed to the Misciatelli marquises of Orvieto.

In the 20th century the Milanese architect Tomaso Buzzi, introduced to the property by Marquis Paolo Misciatelli, made it the project of his life. From 1958 he created a visionary and theatrical “ideal city” around the convent, which he himself described as an anthology in stone. When he died in 1981 the work was unfinished; it was completed by his nephew Marco Solari on the basis of the architect’s drawings. The church remains separate and serves as a private oratory.

The neo-Mannerist complex draws on Francesco Colonna’s Hypnerotomachia Poliphili and consists of seven theatres and seven symbolic monuments, with multiplying staircases, deliberately altered proportions and fantastical figures. Reinterpretations of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Parthenon, a pyramid and a triumphal arch can be recognised. Today La Scarzuola is managed by the Fondazione Tomaso Buzzi.

Highlights

• Tomaso Buzzi’s “ideal city” (from 1958)
• Seven theatres and seven symbolic monuments
• Teatro dell’Acropoli and Teatro sull’acqua
• Reinterpretations of the Colosseum, Pantheon and Parthenon
• 13th-century Franciscan convent with church

Permanent exhibition

• La città ideale di Tomaso Buzzi – Guided route past theatres, staircases and symbolic architecture built around the Franciscan convent from 1958 onwards.

Founded

1958

Operated by

Fondazione Tomaso Buzzi

Visitors per year

approx. 42,717

Admission & discounts

Online payment by card or PayPal, or cash on site; the receipt must be printed and shown at the entrance. Refunds only for written cancellations made at least 7 days before the visit.

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 visit takes place outdoors on partly uneven paths; no specific information is given for people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

There is no public transport to the entrance. From Perugia, follow the Pievaiola towards Piegaro, then Montegabbione and Montegiove along provincial road 57 until the “La Scarzuola” sign; from the A1, exit at Fabro. The site advises against relying on the satnav: the last 2 km are unpaved, and buses over 12 metres cannot use them. A private shuttle can be booked with Autonoleggio Segoloni (a service not run by La Scarzuola).

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