Museo nazionale di Santa Maria delle Monache
Archaeological museum in the Santa Maria delle Monache complex in Isernia, with reliefs, altars and Roman inscriptions from the surrounding area.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo nazionale di Santa Maria delle Monache is housed in the monastic complex of the same name, on Corso Marcelli in Isernia. The Antiquarium of Isernia opened in these rooms in 1934, and reopened after restoration work carried out by the Molise archaeological heritage authority (Soprintendenza).
The collection is devoted mainly to stone pieces of the Roman, Republican and Imperial periods from the territory of Isernia. Corinthian capitals, column drums, architectural fragments and votive altars can be seen, as well as a relief with a battle scene recalling the Pompeian mosaic of Alexander and Darius at Issus.
Large blocks with gladiators from a monument at Taverna della Croce are also on display, reassembled to suggest the original structure; a telamon depicting a barbarian wearing a Phrygian cap, 1st century BC; a votive altar to Victoria-Nemesis; a relief of Ixion bound to the wheel; inscriptions and funerary urns from the Quadrella necropolis; and two honorary bases, including that of Sextus Appuleius, nephew of Augustus. Since 2014 the museum has been run by the Ministry of Culture, and since 2019 through the Direzione regionale Musei del Molise.
Highlights
- Corinthian capitals, column drums and Roman votive altars
- Battle relief inspired by the mosaic of Alexander and Darius
- Blocks with gladiators from the monument at Taverna della Croce
- Telamon of a barbarian wearing a Phrygian cap
- Inscriptions and funerary urns from the Quadrella necropolis
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione archeologica di Isernia – Worked stones of the Roman period from the Isernia area: capitals, altars, reliefs, inscriptions and funerary urns.
- Founded
- 1934
- Operated by
- Direzione regionale Musei del Molise (Ministero della Cultura)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 1,801
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2 |
Free admission: First Sunday of the month (free admission to state museums).
Prices according to Museionline (updated April 2024).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours are available. |
