Museo Diocesano di Alba

About the museum

The Museo Diocesano di Alba is the exhibition part of the MUDI, the diocese’s cultural system that brings together museum, archive and library. It is located in the crypt and undercroft of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with entrance from the bell-tower side in Piazza Rossetti.

Excavations carried out in 2007–2008 brought to light part of the Roman forum of Alba Pompeia (1st–2nd century AD), a late-antique private building and a 6th-century church, elements that help date the origins of the diocese. The route lets visitors follow the transformation of the town from the Roman to the medieval age and the building phases of the former cathedral, with panels, videos, sound narratives and video mapping.

The crypt of San Pietro houses the cathedral’s epigraphic collection, with pieces from the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals and early medieval liturgical furnishings. The display cases show Roman and medieval ceramics, glass fragments, painted plaster and coins, including a pentanummo (five-nummi coin) of Justinian II, the first Byzantine coin found in an excavation in Piedmont. The MUDI also links Alba with other sites in the area and offers themed visits, such as the climb up the bell tower (“45 metri sopra Alba”), the Sala del Tesoro and an escape room in the museum’s rooms.

Highlights

• Underground archaeological route from Roman Alba to the medieval cathedral
• Remains of the Roman forum and of a 6th-century church found in the 2007–2008 excavations
• Crypt of San Pietro with the cathedral’s epigraphic collection
• Pentanummo of Justinian II, the first Byzantine coin found in a Piedmontese excavation
• Sound narratives and video mapping along the route
• Themed visits: bell tower, Sala del Tesoro, escape room

Permanent exhibitions

• Percorso archeologico sotterraneo – From the traces of Roman Alba to the phases of the former cathedral, with sound narratives, video mapping and multimedia stations.
• Cripta di San Pietro – Epigraphic collection of the cathedral with inscriptions and early medieval liturgical furnishings.

Operated by

Diocesi di Alba

Admission & discounts

Free admission also with the Card Torino Musei. The ticket price is a contribution to the upkeep of the church’s cultural heritage in the area. Tickets can be bought online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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 route in the crypt and undercroft is presented as accessible to all. The museum offers workshops and visits for people with disabilities, led by trained staff, by appointment.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The museum offers family activities, including “Esploratori del tempo” (Time Explorers), a treasure hunt through the undercroft with a free educational kit at the entrance (recommended age 6–12), digital comic-style stories, creative workshops, escape rooms and games in the rooms.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is in Piazza Rossetti, on the bell-tower side of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, in the historic centre of Alba.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

There is a bookshop. The MUDI Wi-Fi is used to listen to the free audio guide on your own smartphone.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit