Museo nazionale del Ducato di Spoleto, National museum in Spoleto, Italy
The National Museum of the Duchy of Spoleto is housed within the Rocca Albornoziana fortress and displays artworks and archaeological finds across two floors. The collection includes Roman artifacts, sculptures, and paintings from medieval and Renaissance periods.
The Rocca Albornoziana was built in 1359 by Cardinal Egidio Albornoz and served for centuries as a fortress and residence for papal officials. After 1816, its purpose changed fundamentally when the fortress was converted into a prison.
The collection displays artifacts from different periods: Roman stone coffins, floor mosaics, and sculptural fragments from the Lombard era show how artistic styles changed across the centuries. These objects tell stories about the people who lived in this region and the artists they commissioned.
The museum is housed within a fortress on a hilltop, so it is reachable on foot but requires some effort to climb. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and allow enough time to visit all the rooms at a leisurely pace.
The fortress was home to various historical figures across the centuries, including Lucrezia Borgia who served as governor in 1499. The place is therefore not just an art museum but also a testament to shifts in power and personal destinies.
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