Archbishop's Museum, Ravenna

Museum in Ravenna

Archiepiscopal Museum
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Hajotthu

Located behind the Cathedral of Ravenna and the Neonian Baptistery is the complex of the Archbishop’s Palace, originally built in the 5th century AD. Over the centuries, this structure has undergone several renovations and now serves as the home of the Archbishop’s Museum.

The museum was strongly supported in the 18th century by Archbishop Maffeo Niccolò Farsetti. Its primary purpose was to safeguard the marbles and stones removed from the nearby cathedral during renovations that took place in the previous century.

The Museum Collections: The museum’s exhibition offers a fascinating journey through archaeological finds and works of art. Among the collections, visitors can admire pieces of exceptional beauty. These include:

  1. The Silver Cross of Archbishop Agnello (6th century AD): A precious silver cross, likely used for religious purposes.
  2. Marble Slab with the Easter Calendar (6th century AD): An intricately carved marble slab depicting the Easter calendar.
  3. Headless Statue from the Byzantine Age (6th century AD): This statue, although missing its head, is believed to represent Emperor Justinian and is a remarkable piece of Byzantine art.

The museum also features a small art gallery known as the Sala delle Pianete, which houses artworks dating from the 16th to the 18th century. Additionally, visitors can explore a collection of sacred robes dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries.

The Sala della Torre Salustra is another highlight. This room was originally the terminal of Trajan’s Aqueduct, dating to the early 2nd century. It served as the point where pipes branched off for urban water distribution.

A particularly famous artefact in the museum is the Chair of Bishop Maximian, created by Byzantine artists in the 6th century AD. This intricately carved ivory chair is considered one of the most renowned ivory works known to us.

The Archbishop's Museum, Ravenna appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ravenna!

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Visiting Archbishop's Museum, Ravenna

Hours:

Every day: 9.00-19.00


Price:

€10.50 – The ticket is cumulative only and includes: the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Neonian Baptistery (**), the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (**), the Museum and the Archbishop’s Chapel.

Address: P.za Arcivescovado, 1, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy
Duration: 20 minutes

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