Castello Piccolomini, Collezione Torlonia e Museo d'arte sacra della Marsica
Piccolomini Castle in Celano with the Museo d’arte sacra della Marsica and the Torlonia Collection of finds from the Fucino.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The castle of Celano was built as a fortress at the end of the 14th century on the initiative of Pietro, Count of Celano, and was enlarged by his niece Covella and her husband Leonello Acclozamora. In 1463 Antonio Todeschini Piccolomini, nephew of Pope Pius II, transformed it into a noble residence.
It passed into State ownership (demanio) in 1938 and was seriously damaged by the earthquake of 1915. Reconstruction began in 1940 and was completed in 1960, but the furnishings and almost all the frescoes were lost. Since 1992 the castle has housed the Museo d’arte sacra della Marsica and the Torlonia Collection.
The sacred art museum occupies eight rooms and holds paintings, sculptures, goldsmiths’ work and other works from the 6th to the 18th century, including two wooden doors of the 12th century, the triptych of Alba Fucens and the Orsini cross of 1334. The Torlonia Collection comprises finds that emerged during the draining of Lake Fucino, undertaken by Prince Alessandro Torlonia; the best-known piece is a limestone relief of the 2nd century AD showing a view of a city.
Highlights
- 15th-century Piccolomini castle
- Two wooden doors of the 12th century
- Triptych of Alba Fucens
- Orsini cross of 1334
- Torlonia Collection with a limestone relief showing a city (2nd century AD)
Permanent exhibitions
- Museo d'arte sacra della Marsica – Eight rooms with paintings, sculptures and goldsmiths’ work from the 6th to the 18th century, from the Marsica area.
- Collezione Torlonia – Finds that emerged during the draining of Lake Fucino, including a limestone relief showing a city.
- Founded
- 1992
- Operated by
- Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Abruzzo
- Visitors per year
- approx. 36,032
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Young people aged 18 to 25 |
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The castle has a conference room, a room for educational activities and outdoor spaces for musical and theatre events.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The castle organises educational workshops and events in its outdoor spaces. |
