Museo diocesano d'arte sacra di Ales

About the museum

The Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art in Ales opened in 2009 at the will of Monsignor Antonino Orrù. It occupies the second and third floors of the former Tridentine seminary, a 19th-century building renovated at the beginning of the 21st century, next to the cathedral.

The collection mainly holds the treasures of the cathedral chapter of Ales, but also rare pieces from the other parishes of the diocese. The arrangement aims to give visitors, in concise form, an understanding of the history of the territory and the diocese, as an invitation to recognise their own local identity.

Among the objects on display is a rich collection of silverware belonging to the bishops and the cathedral, dating from the mid-16th to the late 20th century, with monstrances, crosses, chalices and patens that show the taste, influences and techniques of the silversmith masters. There are also numerous vestments, such as chasubles, copes and albs, made of precious fabrics such as damask, silk and brocade, as well as wooden sculptures and paintings from the 17th to the 20th century. More recently the museum has been enriched by four bells from the 16th to the 18th century, belonging to the cathedral, and two stone lions from the 17th century. The oldest bell was cast in 1573. The diocesan historical archive is on the first floor of the same building and documents the objects on display.

Highlights

• Silverware of bishops and the cathedral from the 16th to the 20th century
• Liturgical vestments in damask, silk and brocade
• Wooden sculptures and paintings from the 17th to the 20th century
• Four cathedral bells, the oldest from 1573
• Two stone lions from the 17th century

Permanent exhibition

• Collezione di arte sacra della diocesi – Silverware, vestments, wooden sculptures, paintings and bells from the cathedral and the parishes of the diocese.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Diocesi di Ales-Terralba

Visitors per year

approx. 8,000

Admission & discounts

Standard ticket €3, reduced ticket €1.50.

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 museum reports facilitated physical accessibility for visitors with specific needs.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in Piazza Cattedrale, in the former Tridentine seminary next to the cathedral of Ales.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Museum bookshop; WiFi connection listed among the services.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit