Diocesan Museum: A Treasure Trove of Sacred Art in Cortona

The Diocesan Museum of Cortona, located in the beautifully preserved former Church of Jesus on Piazza del Duomo, is a must-see for art lovers and history enthusiasts visiting this charming Tuscan town. Established in 1945 to safeguard important works of art from local churches and religious institutions, the museum's collection spans from the 13th to the 19th centuries, with a particular emphasis on the Renaissance period. The museum's highlights include the Annunciation by Fra Angelico, a masterpiece of early Renaissance painting known for its delicate detail and serene beauty. Works by Luca Signorelli, a native of Cortona, are also prominently featured, including the moving Lamentation over the Dead Christ. Other notable artists represented in the collection include Pietro Lorenzetti, Bartolomeo della Gatta and Giuseppe Maria Crespi. Beyond paintings, the museum also displays a collection of liturgical objects, reliquaries, and religious vestments, providing insight into the religious practices and artistic traditions of the Cortona diocese. The architectural complex of Jesus, which houses the museum, is itself of historical interest, featuring an upper church with a timber ceiling and a lower oratory adorned with frescoes designed by Giorgio Vasari. The museum is open to visitors most days of the week, with varying hours depending on the season.