Museum Of Saint Josephine Bakhita

Visiting the Museum and Sanctuary of Saint Josephine Bakhita in Schio, Italy: Hours, Tickets, and Essential Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Museum and Sanctuary of Saint Josephine Bakhita, located in Schio, Italy, offer a deeply moving experience rooted in history, faith, and advocacy. This comprehensive guide covers everything prospective visitors need: historical context, museum highlights, practical information on visiting hours and tickets, accessibility, special events, and local tips. Whether motivated by spirituality, curiosity, or cultural interest, a visit to this site provides invaluable insight into the legacy of a modern saint and the wider struggle against human trafficking.

Introduction
Historical Background of Saint Josephine Bakhita
Museum and Sanctuary Overview
- Location and Setting
- Museum Layout and Exhibits
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Accessibility and Visitor Services
Special Events and Educational Programs
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cultural and Spiritual Impact
Visual and Interactive Experience
Plan Your Visit: Contacts and Resources
Conclusion

Historical Background of Saint Josephine Bakhita

Saint Josephine Bakhita was born around 1869 in Olgossa, Darfur (now Sudan), to the Daju ethnic group (Britannica). Kidnapped at age seven or nine and sold into slavery, she endured years of hardship before the Italian consul in Khartoum, Callisto Legnani, purchased and brought her to Italy (Aleteia). After gaining her freedom in Italy, she joined the Canossian Sisters, where her faith and compassion left a lasting mark on the local community and beyond.

Bakhita was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 and is now recognized worldwide as the patron saint of Sudan and victims of human trafficking (National Shrine).

Museum and Sanctuary Overview

Location and Setting

The Museum and Sanctuary are situated within the Canossian convent complex at Via F. Baratto, 39, 36015 Schio VI, Italy (Canossian Sisters Schio). The site is easily accessible from Schio’s train station and is close to other notable Schio historical sites, such as the Duomo di San Pietro and Fabbrica Alta. The convent’s gardens and neoclassical Church of the Holy Family create a tranquil and contemplative environment.

Museum Layout and Exhibits

Visitors can explore thematic rooms and sacred spaces, including:

Bakhita’s Room: Preserved as during her lifetime, displaying personal items and devotional artifacts.
Permanent Exhibition Halls: Artifacts, documents, photographs, and multimedia tracing her journey from slavery to sainthood.
Chapel: Original chapel where Bakhita prayed, now housing her relics.
Multimedia Room: Audio-visual displays, interactive maps, and documentary films.

These curated spaces immerse visitors in Bakhita’s life, the broader context of the Canossian order, and the ongoing fight against human trafficking (We Are Saintly).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday and Public Holidays: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day

Admission Fees:

Adults: €5
Students, seniors (65+), groups (10+): €3
Children under 12: Free
Guided tours (by reservation): Additional €2 per person

Tickets are available at the entrance or can be booked in advance on the museum’s website. Advance booking is recommended for guided tours and groups, especially during popular times such as Saint Bakhita’s feast day (February 8).

Note: Entry to the adjacent sanctuary and church is free. For special events and guided group visits, check the official site for updates.

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Physical Accessibility: The museum and sanctuary are fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms.
Language Support: Exhibit descriptions are primarily in Italian, with English translations for key displays. Audio guides are available in Italian, English, French, and Spanish.
Visitor Amenities: Gift shop with religious items and fair-trade crafts, café with garden views, accessible restrooms, and rest areas.
Special Needs: Tactile guides and audio descriptions for visually impaired visitors; service animals are welcome.

Special Events and Educational Programs

The museum is a focal point for:

February 8 (Feast Day): Masses, processions, and educational events (Vatican News).
Annual Conferences: Topics on human trafficking, migration, and Bakhita’s legacy.
Workshops: For schools and groups, addressing human rights and intercultural dialogue.

Advance registration is recommended for events and guided tours.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: Schio is accessible by train from Vicenza and Verona; the museum is a short walk or taxi ride from the train station. Ample parking is available for drivers.
Best Visiting Times: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience; February 8 and special events can be crowded.
Local Attractions: Explore Schio’s historic center, Villa Fabris, Duomo di San Pietro, Fabbrica Alta, and scenic hill trails (Visit Schio).
Dining and Accommodation: Numerous options nearby, including the Schio Hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: At the entrance or online via the official museum website.

Q: What are the best hours to visit?
A: Weekday mornings are generally quieter. Check current hours before your visit.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Notify staff for additional support if needed.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, but they require advance booking.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, in most areas except the chapel and Bakhita’s room.

Cultural and Spiritual Impact

Saint Josephine Bakhita’s legacy as a survivor of slavery and a symbol of hope is reflected in the museum’s mission to educate and inspire. The site promotes advocacy against modern slavery and fosters intercultural dialogue. Annual commemorations and educational programs draw international attention, making the museum a living tribute to Bakhita’s enduring impact (National Shrine).

Visual and Interactive Experience

The museum features high-quality visuals and multimedia installations, including:

Virtual tours and photo galleries (with descriptive alt tags for accessibility and SEO)
Interactive timelines and maps
Audio and video testimonies

For a preview, visit the official website.

Plan Your Visit: Contacts and Resources

Address: Via F. Baratto, 39, 36015 Schio VI, Italy
Phone: +39 0445 52 30 31
Email: [email protected]
Website: Canossian Sisters Schio
Tourism Portal: Visit Schio
Facebook: Canossian Sisters Schio

For the latest updates, download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and visitor engagement.

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism

Visitors are encouraged to respect the sanctuary’s peaceful atmosphere, limit waste, and use public transportation. Purchases at the museum shop help support anti-trafficking and fair-trade initiatives (Talitha Kum).

Conclusion

A visit to the Museum and Sanctuary of Saint Josephine Bakhita in Schio is more than a cultural outing—it is an invitation to reflect on themes of faith, dignity, and human resilience. With accessible hours, affordable tickets, and enriching exhibits, the museum welcomes everyone seeking connection with this remarkable story. Consult the official site for the most up-to-date information, and consider exploring Schio’s other historical gems during your stay.

Embrace the legacy of Saint Josephine Bakhita—an enduring beacon of hope and compassion.