Visconti Castle - Civic Museums
Museum | Pavia | Lombardia | Italy
The Visconti Castle in Pavia, built between 1360 and 1365 under the direction of Galeazzo II Visconti, now serves as the seat of the city museums of Pavia. This imposing building, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, houses a variety of collections reflecting the rich history and culture of the region.
Collections and Exhibitions
The museums in the Visconti Castle are divided into various sections:
Archaeological Museum and Lombard Collection: This department presents finds from Roman and Lombard times, including one of the most important collections of Roman glass in Northern Italy as well as important artifacts from the Lombard period, such as the Plutei of Theodota and an extensive collection of Lombard inscriptions.
Romanesque and Renaissance Section: Sculptures, architectural fragments, and mosaics from the 7th to the 14th century are exhibited here. Particularly noteworthy are the Romanesque mosaics from the 12th century, originating from the churches of Santa Maria del Popolo, Sant'Invenzio, and Santa Maria delle Stuoie.
Malaspina Gallery: This art gallery houses works by significant artists such as Gentile da Fabriano, Antonello da Messina, Giovanni Bellini, Correggio, Bernardino Luini, and Francesco Hayez. A special highlight is the monumental wooden model of the Pavia Cathedral from 1497.
Risorgimento Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of Italian unification and displays documents, books, photographs, weapons, and objects from that time.
Gipsoteca: A collection of plaster casts of important sculptures, providing insight into art history and sculpture techniques.
Quadreria dell'Ottocento and Morone Collection: This section includes paintings from the 19th century as well as a collection of 66 works, including paintings, pastels, and drawings by Italian artists such as Federico Zandomeneghi, Giovanni Segantini, and Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo.
Architecture and Spaces
The Visconti Castle impresses not only with its collections but also with its architecture. The rooms are adorned with fine frescoes from the Visconti and Sforza era. Particularly noteworthy are the "blue chamber" with its precious techniques and materials, and the "pigeon rooms," where the Visconti family crest is depicted.
Another highlight is the chapel of the castle, decorated with frescoes by Andrea da Bologna, providing insight into the religious art of the time.
Overall, the museums in the Visconti Castle offer a comprehensive insight into the history, art, and culture of Pavia and Lombardy, and are a significant cultural attraction in the region.
