National Museum Of San Matteo

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  • Address: Piazza San Matteo in Soarta, Pisa PI, Italy
    Map
  • Timings: 09:00 am - 07:00 pm Details
  • Ticket Price: 5 EUR
  • Time Required: 01:00 Hrs
  • Tags: Art Museums, Museums
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You’ll find that Pisa, though small in size, is full of fantastic art galleries, each housing innumerable works of art. One of the lesser known museums is the National Museum of San Matteo which, according to some, is even better than the Museum of the Cathedral! The collection here is astonishing and, at 5 Euros a person, very accessible. Another great part about the museum is that each room has chairs, so you can sit back, relax and engross yourself in the mesmerizing paintings.

The main collection was started in 1769 by the Canon of the Pisa Cathedral, SebastianoZucchetti. As a result of numerous other museums being closed down and the Academy of Fine Arts, a lot of artwork was ultimately stored here. In 1893, a local Jewish citizen founded the PisanMuseoCivico and using the art from this museum, the present day MuseuoNazionale was set up in the newly restored convent of San Matteo, situated right across the Arno river.

Today, the museum contains an intense collection of paintings and sculptures that date back between the 12th and 18th centuries. The museum is also home to rare archaeological finds, which are intriguing and enlightening to study. There are a number of gorgeously crafted religious crosses dating back to 1100, all beautifully preserved. Some of the most famous art housed here includes work by Guido Reni, Francesco Traini and numerous others. Don’t be fooled by its modest entrance and relatively bare ground floor, it’s an artistic trove of gems if you venture further.

When you enter, be sure to take a brochure, which will teach you about the history of the artwork you’re about to view. Each room has a large, freestanding explanation panel as well, in English and Italian. Each room has special lighting that compliments the art inside and most have chairs so that you can sit and ponder over the paintings and sculptures. You can take a look at the medieval ceramics collection, once used to decorate Pisan churches. There are giant, glittering crosses created by BerlinghieroBerlinghieri and theMaestro di San Martino, amongst others. A bible from the Monastery of San Vito, numerous ancient Pisan sculptures such as a Nativity by Tino di Camaino, and a few remarkable pieces of wooden works by Agostino di Giovanni and Francesco di Valdambrino will whet your appetite, as you finally view the main course: the paintings. Work by Francesco di Traino, LippoMenni and Buonamico Buffalmacco, noted for his fresco cycle in the Monumental Cemetery, Spinello Aretino, Taddeo di Bartolo and better known artists such as Masacciowith his St. Paul, Gentile da Fabriano, Fra Angelico, Ghirlandaio, Beato Angelico, Gozzoli, and Domenico Ghirlandaio will leave you astounded. If you’re a hardcore lover of the arts, this museum is ideal for you with its enormous collection of beautiful art and is a must see in Pisa.

National Museum Of San Matteo Travel Tips

  • Check out the painted marble work of Andrea Pisano, entitled Madonna del Latte (1343-1347).
  • The painted wooden sculptures gathered together in a long dark hall to preserve their colour, are full size and were used as characters in sacred mediaeval theatre. Take a look at them through the columns from the adjoining room, it is magic.
  • The museum also preserves glazed terracottas by the Della Robbia school and Donatello''s bust-relic of St. Lussorio.
  • You have to check bags and purses, but you control the key.
  • No water or food and basic toilet facilities.

Entrance Ticket Details For National Museum Of San Matteo

  • Concessions for people aged 18 to 25 : Euro 2.50
  • Free admission for UE citizens under 18, over 65, and for school groups and accompanying teachers.
  • Ticket including the National Museum of Palazzo Reale : Euro 8.00

How to Reach National Museum Of San Matteo

  • Take the bus "E" in the direction of train Station for 1.20. The stop is right inside the Porta St. Ranierino and it will drop you off on the Lungano Mediceo almost opposite the Museum in about 10 minutes.

  • Bazeel (Italian/€8-20)
  • Ristorante Galileo (Italian/Moderate)
  • Osteria di Culegna (Italian/Moderate)

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  • National Museum Of San Matteo Address: Piazza San Matteo in Soarta, Pisa PI, Italy
  • National Museum Of San Matteo Timing: 09:00 am - 07:00 pm
  • National Museum Of San Matteo Price: 5 EUR
  • Time required to visit National Museum Of San Matteo: 01:00 Hrs
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  • 8.21% of people who visit Pisa include National Museum Of San Matteo in their plan

  • 44.37% of people start their National Museum Of San Matteo visit around 10 AM - 11 AM

  • People usually take around 1 Hr to see National Museum Of San Matteo

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

58.73% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting National Museum Of San Matteo

People normally club together Borgo Stretto and Palazzo Blu while planning their visit to National Museum Of San Matteo.

* The facts given above are based on traveler data on TripHobo and might vary from the actual figures

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