Discover Ischia’s religious history and admire ancient artifacts in this small but interesting church and cathedral museum housed in a palace.
The Diocesan Museum is the diocese, or parish, museum of the quaint little island of Ischia. Visit this small museum in the Palazzo del Seminario (Palace of the Seminary) to see a wealth of historic and religious artifacts.
The museum was founded in 1995 and inaugurated in 2000. Bishop Antonio Pagano established it to preserve and promote the historical and artistic heritage of the diocese. See relics from the ancient Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta along with those of the churches within the diocese.
Make your way through the five themed sections of the museum to discover its various treasures. Each section highlights the different mediums the early Italian artists used when creating their masterpieces.
The first section contains elegant marble works with many dating from the 14th to the 18th century. Intricate artworks from the cathedral and the island’s Aragonese Castle can be found here as well.
In the second section you will find mostly sculptures and statues. Many of the pieces are devotional statues created by Neapolitan artisans in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Follow on to the third section to see an interesting range of pieces, from oil paintings on canvas to painted tables. Don’t miss the depiction of St. George and the Dragon, believed to have been painted by Ippolito Borghese in 1589. It’s considered one of the museum’s highlights.
Finish off with the fascinating mix of relics in sections four and five. First browse the collection of ceremonial and decorative items, including many impressive pieces of jewelry and silverware. See chalices and rings and spot the papal chair used for a visit by a previous pope.
As you admire the final exhibits of the museum, ponder the story of strong faith and religious culture that has always been part of this idyllic Italian island.
The Diocesan Museum in the Palazzo del Seminario, tucked away in the narrow streets of Ischia Ponte, is open in the morning of every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Entry to the museum is free of charge. The Diocesan Museum is best reached by bus or taxi. If you come by car, you can find parking spots within a short walking distance of the palace.
