Museo Diocesano de Albarracín

About the museum

The Museo Diocesano de Albarracín occupies the upper floor of the former Episcopal Palace, next to the cathedral. The Diocese of Albarracín was established around 1172 at the initiative of Pedro Ruiz de Azagra, partly to strengthen its independent lordship. The palace was extended from the late 16th century and reached its greatest splendour in the 18th century. It was abandoned after the death of the last bishop in 1839 and was restored in the last decade of the 20th century; Queen Sofía inaugurated the restoration in 1995.

Today the building houses the museum, the Fundación Santa María de Albarracín and a conference centre. The visit goes through the noble rooms as they were in the 18th century, with original woodwork, gypsum floors and painted decoration, and includes the austere private quarters of the bishop and service areas such as the large kitchen and the bread oven. An audio guide is available in several languages.

The collection brings together the most important pieces from the diocesan treasury: painting, sculpture, goldsmith's work, textiles and musical instruments from the 14th to the 18th century. Highlights include a 16th-century Italian incense boat of rock crystal, known as the Pez de cristal, and a set of 16th-century Flemish tapestries in very well-preserved colours. The display is completed by a 14th-century processional cross from Noguera, a monstrance by the Monterde and Antillón families sent from Mexico, and vestments from the episcopal wardrobe.

Highlights

• Pez de cristal: a 16th-century Italian incense boat of rock crystal
• Flemish tapestries of the 16th century
• Processional cross from Noguera, 14th century
• Monstrance of the Monterde and Antillón families, sent from Mexico
• Bishop's quarters and the palace kitchen

Permanent exhibition

• Colección del tesoro diocesano – Religious art from the 14th to the 18th century in the rooms of the Episcopal Palace: painting, sculpture, goldsmith's work, textiles, Flemish tapestries and the Pez de cristal.

Founded

1995

Operated by

Fundación Santa María de Albarracín

Admission & discounts

Groups and travel agencies must contact the Information Centre. Combined tickets are available with the cathedral and the castle.

Accessibility

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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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