Museo Diocesano Di Monopoli

Museo Diocesano di Monopoli: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Cultural Highlights

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled beneath the historic Concattedrale di Maria Santissima della Madia in the heart of Monopoli, Italy, the Museo Diocesano di Monopoli offers a captivating journey through centuries of religious art, history, and cultural heritage. The museum is a vital guardian of the Diocese of Monopoli’s extensive ecclesiastical patrimony, presented within evocative spaces that once served as crypts and burial sites, adding rich architectural and archaeological layers to the visitor experience. From prehistoric artifacts to Renaissance masterpieces and Baroque splendors, the collections illuminate Monopoli’s dynamic role as a Mediterranean crossroads, shaped by both Eastern and Western Christian traditions (Monopoli Tre Rose; Museo Diocesano di Monopoli Official Website; Monopoli Tourism).

Introduction
History and Architectural Context
Collections and Highlights
Practical Visitor Information
Guided Tours and Special Events
Accessibility and Visitor Services
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Travel Tips
References

History and Architectural Context

The Museo Diocesano di Monopoli is deeply intertwined with Monopoli’s religious and civic evolution. The museum occupies the subterranean spaces of the Concattedrale di Maria Santissima della Madia, a Baroque masterpiece constructed atop earlier religious structures. These crypts, now adapted as museum galleries, reveal the stratification of Monopoli’s past, including remnants of earlier churches, ancient tombs, and medieval frescoes. The city itself has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and its strategic port status made it a crossroads for cultures and faiths throughout antiquity and the Middle Ages—especially during the crusader era.

The museum was established to preserve and interpret the ecclesiastical heritage of the Diocese of Monopoli, which has played a pivotal role in the region’s development. Its setting in the cathedral’s crypts creates an immersive atmosphere, connecting sacred objects and artworks to the very spaces that have witnessed centuries of ritual and community life (Monopoli Tre Rose).

Collections and Highlights

Sacred Art and Ecclesiastical Treasures

The museum’s collections span from prehistoric artifacts to modern ecclesiastical art, with a particular emphasis on the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Among the highlights:

Byzantine Stauroteca: A rare medieval reliquary of the True Cross (11th–12th century), exemplifying Monopoli’s Byzantine heritage (Ministero della Cultura).
Icon of the Madonna della Madia: Central to Monopoli’s spiritual identity, this revered 15th-century icon is linked to the legend of the Madonna’s miraculous arrival by sea (Madonna della Madia).
Venetian and Neapolitan Paintings: Works by Lazzaro Bastiani, Paolo Veronese, Jacopo Palma il Giovane, Francesco Vecellio, Paolo Finoglio, and others, reflecting artistic exchanges between Apulia, Venice, and Naples (Museo Diocesano Monopoli).
Baroque Sculptures: Notably, a wooden statue of Saint Michael the Archangel attributed to the workshop of Nicola Fumo, and the “Madonna del Rosario” by Carlo Rosa.
Liturgical Objects and Vestments: Chalices, monstrances, reliquaries, and a splendid set of 18th-century chasubles, embroidered with gold and silk threads (Liturgical Collection).
Manuscripts and Archival Materials: Illuminated antiphonaries, graduals, and rare manuscripts, as well as documents detailing centuries of diocesan life (Manuscript Collection).
Icons and Ex-voto Offerings: Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, and a collection of ex-voto offerings documenting popular devotion.

The museum itinerary unfolds across several themed rooms, including the Sala delle Icone, Sala dei Veneti, and Sala della Stauroteca, each designed to provide historical and artistic context (Monopoli Tourism).

Practical Visitor Information

Location

Address: Via Cattedrale, 26, 70043 Monopoli (BA), Italy
Situated in the historic center, adjacent to the Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia and easily reachable on foot from train and bus stations.

Opening Hours (as of 2025)

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 10:30–13:00 and 17:30–20:00
Friday and Sunday: 17:30–22:30 (last entry at 22:00)
Closed on Mondays
Hours may vary seasonally; check the official website or Monopoli Times for current details.

Admission Fees

Standard ticket: 2€
Group rate: 1€ per person
Free admission: Children under 7, cultural heritage students, teachers, licensed guides, disabled visitors, clergy, Ministry of Culture staff, ICOM/ICOMOS/ICCROM members
Reduced rates: For Touring Club members, groups, school groups (reservation required), companions of disabled visitors, and youths under 18 (Monopoli Tourism)

Booking and Contact

Phone: +39 080 748002
Email: [email protected]
Official Website
Facebook Page

Reservations are recommended for guided tours and workshops (book at least two days in advance).

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided Tours: Available in Italian and English, regularly scheduled and often included in the ticket price or free during special events. Summer tours are typically held Fridays and Sundays (Italian at 18:00, English at 19:00) (Monopoli Times).
Candlelit Visits: Occasional evening tours by candlelight offer a unique, atmospheric experience.
Educational Workshops: Family-friendly activities such as “Ricompone la Tela” require advance booking.
Audio Guides: Available for a small fee (2€), providing in-depth commentary (Monopoli Tourism).
Temporary Exhibitions: The museum hosts contemporary art shows and thematic exhibitions throughout the year (Exhibitions).

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Staff assistance available for visitors with reduced mobility or special needs.
Most signage is in Italian; guided tours and audio guides are available in English.
Photography is generally permitted (no flash or tripods); check on arrival for any restrictions.
Allocate 1–1.5 hours for your visit; longer if joining tours or workshops.

Nearby Attractions

Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia
Castello Carlo V
Historic Old Port
Museo della Cattedrale (archaeological crypt)
Palmieri Palace
PhEST Festival of Photography and Art (seasonal event)

Monopoli’s historic center, with its vibrant piazzas, cafes, and coastal views, makes for a memorable day trip. The museum’s central location allows easy access to all key sites (Monopoli Tourism).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Museo Diocesano di Monopoli visiting hours?
A: Generally Tuesday to Sunday, with morning and evening hours. Closed Mondays. Check the official website for updates.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Standard admission is 2€, with reduced and free admission categories available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in Italian and English, scheduled regularly and during special events.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with full accessibility and staff assistance.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Photography is allowed in most areas, but confirm with staff upon arrival.

Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Not for individual visits, but advance booking is recommended for guided tours and workshops.

Conclusion and Travel Tips

The Museo Diocesano di Monopoli stands as a remarkable confluence of faith, art, and history, offering visitors an intimate window into the religious and cultural evolution of Monopoli. The museum’s commitment to accessibility, education, and preservation ensures a dynamic experience for all. Enhance your visit by checking current opening hours, booking a guided tour, and exploring nearby historic sites. For audio guides, exclusive content, and real-time updates, download the Audiala app and follow the museum on social media.