Museo Del Santuario

Museo Del Santuario: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Savona’s Historical and Cultural Landmark

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Museo Del Santuario di Nostra Signora di Misericordia in Savona is a cornerstone of Ligurian art, faith, and history. Founded in the wake of the 1536 Marian apparition, the museum is intimately linked with the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia, serving pilgrims, art lovers, and history enthusiasts for centuries. Its galleries feature sacred art from the Renaissance to the present, precious liturgical objects, and evocative ex-voto collections—offering a vivid narrative of Savona’s spiritual and social evolution (Santuario official site; Museionline; Visit Riviera).

This guide covers everything you need to know: visiting hours, ticketing, highlights of the collection, the museum’s civic and religious role, and practical visitor tips to enrich your experience.

Origins and Historical Background
Museum Structure and Collections
- Key Artistic Highlights
- Ex-Voto and Devotional Heritage
Cultural and Religious Significance
Social and Civic Role
Recent Developments and Events
Practical Visitor Information
Visitor Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Planning Resources
References

Origins and Historical Background

The Museo Del Santuario owes its existence to the 1536 apparition of the Virgin Mary to Antonio Botta, a humble farmer in the San Bernardo valley (official sanctuary site). Prompted by this event, the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia and its associated charitable institutions were rapidly established.

The museum itself was inaugurated in 1959 to conserve and display the sanctuary’s growing collections of sacred art, liturgical objects, and votive offerings. Its institutional mission expanded with renovations in 1986–87 and 2009, and with the addition of the Sala Peluzzi in 2008—a gallery devoted to the modern painter Eso Peluzzi (Cathopedia).

Museum Structure and Collections

Architectural Setting and Layout

The museum occupies a wing of the sanctuary complex, linking the Palazzetto del Duca di Tursi with the Ospizio dei Poveri. Its galleries guide visitors through centuries of art, devotion, and local craftsmanship (museum official page).

Key Artistic Highlights

16th–17th Century Masterpieces: Includes Paolo Gerolamo Marchiano’s Immacolata Concezione (1589) and artworks by renowned figures such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Domenichino (Museionline).
Cella dei Preziosi (Chamber of Treasures): Houses gifts from royalty and nobility, including the gold crown and jeweled necklace of Princess Maria Anna of Savoy, and a silver liturgical service from Monsignor Agostino De Mari.
18th–19th Century Artifacts: Features silk chasubles, chalices, and processional maces donated by popes and monarchs, as well as sacred vestments and reliquaries.
Sala Peluzzi: Showcases the works of Eso Peluzzi (1894–1985), capturing Savona’s landscapes and community life (Cathopedia).

Ex-Voto and Devotional Heritage

The museum’s ex-voto collection is among Italy’s most evocative, with paintings, silver plaques, and tokens expressing gratitude for miracles attributed to the Madonna di Misericordia. These artifacts offer a unique window into the region’s collective faith and social history (museum official page).

Cultural and Religious Significance

The Museo Del Santuario is a living repository of Ligurian heritage, reflecting centuries of artistic patronage and Marian devotion. The sanctuary’s chapels, crypt, and Treasure Room are integrated into a “museo diffuso” (widespread museum), creating an immersive experience (La Nuova Savona). Significant highlights include:

The marble statue of Madonna di Misericordia by Orsolino, crowned by Pope Pius VII in 1815.
A Bernini-attributed altar and a large canvas by Domenichino.
The 19th-century marquetry choir by Ignazio Scotto and the Garassino brothers.
Antique Madonnas of Mercy from private and public collections (Visit Riviera).

The sanctuary remains a major Marian pilgrimage destination, annually commemorating the apparition and attracting visitors from across Italy (Cattedrale Savona).

Beyond its religious and artistic functions, the museum has historically provided vital social services, including hospices and orphanages, and continues to foster community engagement. Volunteer organizations like Associazione “Aiolfi” support educational programs and cultural events (La Nuova Savona). The museum’s civic importance is further highlighted by its role in Savona’s bid for Italian Capital of Culture 2027.

Recent Developments and Events

The sanctuary and museum regularly host temporary exhibitions, such as the contemporary art show featuring over 40 artists. They also participate in citywide festivals and the 2025 European Heritage Days, reinforcing their status as vibrant cultural hubs (Redazione News).

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Standard Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays and major public holidays
Special Openings: Extended hours during religious festivals and major exhibitions; always consult the official website for updates.

Tickets and Accessibility

Admission:
- Adults: €8
- Reduced (students, seniors, groups): €5
- Children under 12: Free
Guided Tours: Available daily in multiple languages, by appointment. Group and school tours require advance booking.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access is provided to major areas; assistance offered upon request.

Getting There

Address: Adjacent to the Basilica of Nostra Signora di Misericordia, San Bernardo Valley, Savona.
Transport: Accessible by local bus, taxi, or a short drive from Savona city center. The nearest train stop is Santuario (Sanctuary info; Vaticano.com).
Parking: Limited spaces, with priority for disabled visitors.

Facilities

Restrooms, small gift shop, and nearby cafés.
Multilingual panels and occasional guided tours.
Quiet corners for reflection; modest attire recommended.

Visitor Tips and Nearby Attractions

Combine Visits: See the basilica, crypt, and ex-voto galleries for a complete experience.
Photography: Check for restrictions, especially regarding sacred objects.
Local Cuisine: Enjoy Ligurian specialties at nearby trattorias (Italy is Magic).
Other Sites: Explore the Priamar Fortress, Cattedrale di Nostra Signora Assunta, and the Sistine Chapel of Savona (Italy is Magic).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Museo Del Santuario visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: €8 for adults, €5 reduced, free for children under 12.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment and in various languages.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Wheelchair access to most areas; contact for specific needs.

Q: Are there special events or temporary exhibitions?
A: Yes, especially during religious festivals and heritage days.

Q: How do I reach the museum?
A: By local bus, taxi, or car; train stop: Santuario.

Summary and Planning Resources

The Museo Del Santuario is a living testament to Savona’s history, devotion, and artistic vitality. Its collections span centuries—from Bernini’s altars and royal gifts to contemporary art—offering a rich, multifaceted exploration of Ligurian culture. With accessible hours, affordable tickets, and deep community roots, the museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Italian heritage. For up-to-date details, consult the sanctuary’s official website, and download the Audiala app for digital guides and event updates.