MUDIMA – Museo Diocesano Matronei Altamura
Diocesan museum in the matronei of Altamura Cathedral, with silverware, vestments, stone and wooden sculptures and a historical archive.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
MUDIMA is the museum of the Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti and was inaugurated in 2016 by Bishop Giovanni Ricchiuti. It is housed in the matronei of Altamura Cathedral, two galleries running parallel above the side aisles: typical spaces of medieval religious architecture, once reserved for women, from which they take their name.
The matronei have pointed vaults and are divided into bays connected by narrow passages. Toward the interior of the church open triple-arched windows (trifore) with capitals from the mid-13th century, while the double-arched windows (bifore) look onto the external galleries and were part of the original decoration of the side wall. The tribune joining the two galleries is topped by the large rose window that lights the central nave.
The collection brings together artifacts from the 14th to the 19th century, divided into five sections: silverware, sacred vestments, stone sculptures, wooden sculptures and archive. On the lower floor, in the Episcopal Palace, is the Sala degli Stemmi. The museum also includes the Archivio Biblioteca section and the Santa Croce site, and from the matronei it is possible to climb the bell tower with a dedicated ticket.
Highlights
- Medieval matronei of the Cathedral with trifore and bifore
- Section of sacred silverware
- Liturgical vestments from the 14th to the 19th century
- Stone and wooden sculptures
- Climb to the Cathedral bell tower
Permanent exhibition
- Collezioni dei matronei – Silverware, sacred vestments, stone and wooden sculptures and a historical archive, with artifacts from the 14th to the 19th century.
- Founded
- 2016
- Operated by
- Diocesi di Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti
- Director
- Don Nunzio Falcicchio
- Visitors per year
- approx. 5,000
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3children aged 6 to 14, university students, groups of 15 to 25 people |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 14: reduced ticket. Schools and oratories €2. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and their companions. |
| Students & apprentices | €3University students: reduced ticket; free admission for students of Cultural Heritage, Architecture and Design and of the Academy of Fine Arts. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €3 per personGroups of 15 to 25 people: reduced ticket. |
| Museum and bell tower – full | €8Booking required for the climb to the bell tower |
| Museum and bell tower – reduced | €5Children aged 6 to 14, university students, groups; schools and oratories €4 |
Free admission also for journalists, tour guides, ICOM and AMEI members, up to two accompanying teachers, priests, religious and seminarians.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The museum organizes family days and art workshops for children and young people.
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 | Each year the museum offers educational programs for schools and a virtual tour of the Cathedral on its website. Bookings by phone or WhatsApp. |
