Diocesan Museum and San Rufino Crypt, Assisi

Museum in Assisi

Diocesan Museum And San Rufino Crypt
Diocesan Museum and San Rufino Crypt
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rufinus15

Tucked beside the Cathedral of San Rufino, the Diocesan Museum of Assisi is a fascinating destination for anyone eager to explore the city's spiritual and artistic heritage. Opened in 2006 within the historic Palazzo dei Canonici, this museum reveals layers of history hidden beneath Assisi's surface - from ancient Roman artifacts to vivid medieval frescoes. The setting itself is part of the experience, as visitors wander through stone corridors that once formed part of an 11th-century basilica.

More than just an art collection, the museum is one of the top attractions in Assisi for understanding how faith, art, and architecture evolved side by side. The combination of archaeology and sacred art creates a deeply atmospheric visit, where centuries of devotion and craftsmanship come to life. This spot is also a highlight of any walking tour of Assisi, especially for those intrigued by the city's Roman and early Christian past.

History and Significance of the Diocesan Museum of Assisi

The museum occupies the Palazzo dei Canonici, a historic residence facing the Cattedrale di San Rufino. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, but the most evocative area lies below ground - the remains of the Romanesque cloister and the crypt of the 11th-century “Ugonian Basilica.” This crypt, richly decorated with rare frescoes from the same era, preserves a Roman sarcophagus depicting the myth of Selene and Endymion. According to tradition, it once served as the resting place for the relics of Saint Rufinus, Assisi's first bishop and patron saint.

The museum was established to protect and showcase the artistic heritage uncovered during the cathedral’s restoration and archaeological excavations. It reflects Assisi’s enduring role as both a spiritual center and a hub for artistic creation. Its collections trace the city’s history through centuries of sacred expression, revealing how Assisi’s identity has always been bound to faith and beauty.

Things to See and Do in the Diocesan Museum of Assisi

Visitors begin their journey in the vaulted basement, where fragments of ancient walls and columns tell stories from Assisi's earliest churches. The lapidary collection includes Roman and medieval carvings unearthed from the cathedral site, while the frescoes that line the crypt's walls are among the rarest examples of 11th-century painting in Umbria.

Beyond its archaeological treasures, the museum houses a remarkable selection of frescoes, panel paintings, and processional banners dating from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Highlights include works attributed to Puccio Capanna and Nicolò di Liberatore, as well as a splendid group of Sienese “Primitives” from the private collection of American art historian Frederick Mason Perkins. His donation, made in the mid-20th century, gives the museum an international dimension that art lovers will deeply appreciate.

For those who enjoy uncovering lesser-known gems, this is one of the must-see places in Assisi - a peaceful refuge away from the crowds that reveals the city's soul through art and devotion.

How to Get There

The nearest major airport is Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport, located about 20 minutes from Assisi. From the airport, travellers can reach the town by taxi, rental car, or pre-booked shuttle transfer. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Assisi on Booking.com.

The Diocesan Museum of Assisi is located in the Palazzo dei Canonici, directly across from the Cattedrale di San Rufino in the upper part of the old town. Visitors arriving by train can alight at Assisi railway station and take a taxi or local bus to the historic center. Drivers can park at Piazza Giovanni Paolo II or Porta Nuova Car Park, both within walking distance of the cathedral square. From there, it’s a gentle uphill stroll through picturesque medieval lanes.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Diocesan Museum of Assisi

  • Best time to visit Diocesan Museum of Assisi: Morning or late afternoon, when it’s quiet and naturally cool inside the crypt.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Around €4 (combined tickets may include the Cathedral crypt).
  • Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; closed on some Mondays in winter.
  • Official website: www.diocesiassisi.it
  • How long to spend: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Accessibility: Some uneven steps; limited wheelchair access to the lower crypt.
  • Facilities: Restrooms available; small shop with local crafts and religious items.
  • Photography tip: Use natural light to capture fresco details without flash.
  • Guided tours: Available through the cathedral visitor office; often combined with archaeological visits.
  • Nearby food options: Cafés and trattorias around Piazza San Rufino offering Umbrian specialties.

Is the Diocesan Museum of Assisi Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Diocesan Museum of Assisi is one of the things to do in Assisi that blends spirituality, history, and art into a single, memorable experience. Its Roman ruins, medieval frescoes, and sacred relics make it a destination that appeals to both scholars and casual visitors. It offers a quieter, more introspective complement to the grandeur of the town's basilicas.

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The Diocesan Museum and San Rufino Crypt appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Assisi!

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Visiting Diocesan Museum and San Rufino Crypt

Hours:

Diocesan Museum and Crypt of San Rufino open from 10.00 to 18.00

Closed: Wednesday, December 25th, January 1st

Bell tower of San Rufino open from 10.00 to 11.30 and from 15.00 to 17.00 closed on Wednesdays and cannot be visited in case of rain or strong winds - ticket €1.50

Price:

€3.50

Address: Cathedral of San Rufino, Piazza San Rufino, Assisi, Province of Perugia, Italy
Assisi: 0 km

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