Palazzo Borgia – Museo Diocesano
Diocesan museum of Pienza in the Palazzo Borgia, with eleven rooms of Sienese art, goldsmiths’ work and the famous Piviale di Pio II (Cope of Pius II).
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum is housed in the Episcopal Palace, known as the Palazzo Borgia, which overlooks the cathedral square and is part of the Renaissance project commissioned by Pope Pius II (Enea Silvio Piccolomini) and designed by Bernardo Rossellino, a town built in about three years between 1459 and 1462. The palace was the residence of Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, the future Alexander VI.
The collection originated in the cathedral museum and has been enriched with works from other churches in the area. In 1998 the palace was chosen as the new home of the Museo Diocesano, which had been housed in the Palazzo dei Canonici since 1901. The route now unfolds across eleven rooms arranged in chronological order.
Among the main works are the Madonna and Child by Pietro Lorenzetti, the Madonna of Mercy by Bartolo di Fredi (1364), the Enthroned Madonna by Vecchietta and the Madonna of Mercy by Luca Signorelli. The most precious piece is the Piviale di Pio II, an English opus anglicanum work with twenty-seven scenes of the life of the Virgin and of the saints Margaret of Antioch and Catherine of Alexandria, a gift to the Pope in 1462 from Thomas Palaiologos, Despot of the Morea. The museum also holds goldsmiths’ work from the 13th to the 19th century, painted wooden sculptures by Domenico di Niccolò dei Cori, illuminated 15th-century choir books, and the reliquary bust of the head of Saint Andrew by Simone di Giovanni Ghini, dated 1463.
Highlights
- Piviale di Pio II in opus anglicanum
- Madonna di Monticchiello by Pietro Lorenzetti
- Madonna of Mercy by Bartolo di Fredi (1364)
- Enthroned Madonna with saints by Vecchietta
- Madonna of Mercy by Luca Signorelli
- Goldsmiths’ work from the 13th to the 19th century and illuminated choir books
Permanent exhibition
- Percorso in undici sale – Sacred art and liturgical furnishings from the cathedral and the diocese, arranged in chronological order from the 14th century onwards.
- Founded
- 1998
- Visitors per year
- approx. 30,435
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Groups of at least 10 people, university students and researchers, residents, teachers, members of FAI, Touring Club, AMACI and ICOM, holders of an Edumusei card |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Free admission for children under 6. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and one companion. |
| “All inclusive” ticket (Palazzo Borgia, Crypt and Palazzo Piccolomini) | €12Reduced €8. |
Free admission also for tour guides, journalists, clergy, teachers accompanying groups and students of Tuscan universities.
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 website refers to an accessibility statement; for details on physical routes it is advisable to contact the museum.
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
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Educational activities can be booked by writing to didattica@pienzacittadiluce.it. |
