House Museum of Palazzo Sorbello

Steps from Piazza IV Novembre and the Etruscan Well in Perugia’s historic center, the House Museum of Palazzo Sorbello (Casa Museo di Palazzo Sorbello) offers a fascinating look into the residence of the noble Bourbon and Ranieri di Sorbello families.

Guided Tours: Guided tours, available in both English and Italian, last about 30 minutes and take visitors through various rooms adorned with vaulted ceilings and frescoes. These rooms house valuable collections of paintings, printed works, 15th-century manuscripts, letters, porcelain service sets, and 18th-century furniture. A highlight is the elaborate chandelier created in the 1700s by master glass artist Maestro Briati in Murano (Venice). Only four of these ornate, multicolored glass chandeliers were ever made.

Library: The impressive library contains approximately 20,000 books and publications from around the world, including the complete 1770 edition of the French Encyclopedia by Diderot and D’Alembert, printed in Tuscany. The library also features a collection of children’s books in multiple languages, showcasing the family’s commitment to education and literature.

Marchesa Romeyne Robert Ranieri di Sorbello Room: One notable room is dedicated to Marchesa Romeyne Robert, the American wife of Ruggero Ranieri di Sorbello. She founded the Ranieri di Sorbello School of Embroidery at the family’s villa near Lago Trasimeno in the early 1900s. This room displays fabrics, tablecloths, and cushions embroidered with a beautiful and detailed historic stitching technique called Umbrian Point, which was later named the Sorbello Point.

The House Museum of Palazzo Sorbello provides a unique and intimate view of noble life in Perugia, blending historical artifacts with personal stories and cultural heritage. It’s an essential visit for anyone interested in the rich history and artistic traditions of Umbria.

The House Museum of Palazzo Sorbello appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Perugia!

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