Museo Colle del Duomo
Diocesan museum of Viterbo with archaeological, historical-artistic and sacred art sections (Tesoro dei Papi), included in the ticket for the Polo Monumentale.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo Colle del Duomo was created in the Jubilee Year 2000 at the wish of the bishop’s curia of Viterbo, on the initiative of Monsignor Salvatore del Ciuco, with the aim of preserving and enhancing the heritage of the diocese. After a varied history it has been open regularly since 2005 and has effectively given rise to the Polo Monumentale, which also includes the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo dei Papi.
The archaeological section traces the history of the Colle del Duomo and of the city, with Villanovan, Etruscan, Roman and medieval finds, and preserves a small excavation trench made during the construction of the museum. The historical-artistic gallery presents the art of the Viterbo area from the 13th to the 18th century in Rome, with the Madonna della Carbonara, works by Benvenuto di Giovanni, Bartolomeo Cavarozzi and Domenico Corvi, and a Crucifixion traditionally attributed to Michelangelo.
The sacred art section, the Tesoro dei Papi, gathers vestments and liturgical objects that belonged to popes such as John XXI and Pius IX, together with pieces used by cardinals and bishops, including the vestment of Saint Boniface, from the 12th century. The museum also has a large conference hall and an augmented reality route; services are provided by the company Archeoares.
Highlights
- Archaeological section with Villanovan, Etruscan, Roman and medieval finds
- Madonna della Carbonara and paintings by Benvenuto di Giovanni, Cavarozzi and Corvi
- Crucifixion traditionally attributed to Michelangelo
- Tesoro dei Papi with vestments of John XXI and Pius IX
- Vestment of Saint Boniface, 12th century
- Augmented reality route and joint ticket with the Palazzo dei Papi
- Founded
- 2000
- Operated by
- Diocesi di Viterbo (servizi: Archeoares snc)
- Director
- Bruno Blanco (direttore scientifico)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 43,000
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8young people aged 12 to 18, companions of people with disabilities, pilgrims |
| Children & teens | €8free up to age 11 · Free under 12; young people aged 12 to 18: reduced rate. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree for those with a disability above 74%; the premises cannot be entered by wheelchair. The companion pays the reduced ticket. |
| Groups (20+ people) | €4 per personGroups of 20 paying visitors: €4 with audio guides included, €6 with a dedicated in-house guide in Italian. |
| Schools with downloadable audio guide or own guide | €3Free for accompanying teachers and students with disabilities |
| Schools with in-house guide in Italian | €4Free for accompanying teachers and students with disabilities |
The full ticket (€10) also includes the Palazzo dei Papi and the Cathedral sacristy, with audio guide; the site also lists a “museum rate” of €3. Free admission for residents of Viterbo and for tourist guides. The Polo Monumentale does not take part in the state free Sundays. The Viterbo Pass is a single ticket for the city’s museums, valid for 6 months.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- 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
The premises cannot be entered by wheelchair. The website has a “Museo accessibile” section with audio descriptions of the finds for people with visual impairments (project with Archeoares and the Lazio Region). Dogs are admitted on a lead at the Palazzo dei Papi and the museum; in the Cathedral and sacristy only in a carrier or carried.
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 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 |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The audio guide is included in the ticket and also covers the church complex; it can be downloaded to your phone. Guided tours with in-house staff extend to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the 18th-century sacristy and the Palazzo dei Papi, and are booked online; educational activities are offered for schools. An augmented reality museum route is available. |
