Museo Diocesano - for memorable religious art

Across from the Duomo, the 16th-century Cathedral is its companion, the Museo Diocesano, set in the former oratory and church of Gesu. Unlike the disappointing cathedral, which has been disfigured, the Diocesan Museum is a treasure house in miniature. On display are rare masterpieces by Fra’ Angelico, Lorenzetti and local boys Luca Signorelli and Pietro da Cortona. The star exhibit is Fra’ Angelico’s Annunciation, a luminous version of the angel messenger created in the 1430s in shimmering gold leaf. Luca Signorelli (1450–1523), one of a number of celebrated artists from Cortona, was inspired by his master, Piero della Francesca. Signorelli produced frescoes for Orvieto Cathedral and was summoned to the Vatican to complete frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Signorelli’s works on display here include the poignant Lamentation over the Dead Christ. Other highlights include a Sienese Madonna by the school of Duccio Madonna, a 14th-century Pietro Lorenzetti Crucifix, and a Roman sarcophagus that inspired Donatello.

Address: Piazza del Duomo 1, 52044 Cortona
Web: www.cortonaweb.net/en/museums/diocesan-museum