Not all museums are visited to see a particular work of art. Some offer a way to better understand the area in which they are located. This is the case with the Museum of the Cathedral of Bracciano “Bruno Panunzi”. Housed in the restored premises of the former sacristy of the Collegiate Church of Santo Stefano Protomartire, the museum contains reliquaries, liturgical vestments, paintings, statues and documents. Alongside telling the story of the Cathedral, these objects provide a glimpse into the religious and cultural life of Bracciano.
The History of the Museum and Bruno Panunzi
The museum was inaugurated on 13 March 2011, but its history began much earlier. Work to recover and preserve the artworks actually started in the 1970s, thanks to the efforts of the Forum Clodii Association, founded in 1972 with the aim of studying, protecting and promoting the archaeological, historical and artistic heritage of the Bracciano area.
Among those who made the greatest contributions to the creation of the museum were Bruno Panunzi and Monsignor Nicola Fiorentini, who conceived the project and were instrumental in bringing it to life. The exhibition space was named after Panunzi, a founding member of Forum Clodii and a leading figure within the association, in recognition of his decisive role in its establishment.
Over the years, the work of the association and its volunteers has brought numerous artworks back to public attention, some of which risked remaining far from the area to which they belonged for a long time. The opening of the museum therefore marked an important milestone: not only did it provide Bracciano with a new cultural space, but it also offered a way to restore a significant part of the town’s heritage to the local community.
What to See
The collection of the Museum of the Cathedral of Bracciano includes works from different periods and of various types. Alongside paintings of considerable historical and artistic interest, visitors can admire objects used during religious ceremonies, precious artefacts and evidence of popular devotion. Together, these collections offer an opportunity to observe how the customs and traditions of the local community have evolved over time.
Undoubtedly, the most valuable piece is the double triptych, or altarpiece, of the Most Holy Saviour, painted in 1315 by Gregorio and Donato of Arezzo. The main panel depicts the Saviour seated on a throne, while the reverse shows the Assumption of the Virgin, with Mary handing her girdle to Saint Thomas. The side panels are also painted on both sides and feature several saints, including Saint John the Baptist, Saint Nicholas of Bari, Saint Stephen and Saint Lawrence.
Another noteworthy work is the Assumption of the Virgin, a panel painting attributed to Pedro Fernández of Murcia, an artist of Spanish-Flemish origin and Lombard artistic training, who was active between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The painting is divided into two sections: the upper part depicts the Virgin Mary and Christ in glory, surrounded by angels and archangels, while the lower section shows the Apostles.
In an adjoining room is the Cathedral Archive, which preserves documents dating from the 16th to the 19th century. Registers and written records are a valuable source of information for scholars and anyone wishing to learn more about the history of the Collegiate Church and the local community. Documents can be consulted by appointment.
The Cathedral: Don’t Stop at the Museum
After completing your visit to the museum, we strongly recommend stepping inside the Cathedral as well, Bracciano’s main religious building. The two sites are closely connected: visiting the church helps visitors better understand the context from which many of the artworks displayed in the museum originate.
Its origins date back to the 13th century, although the building underwent several extensions and alterations over time, eventually acquiring its present Latin cross layout in the second half of the 17th century. The façade stands out for its understated design, contrasting with the more richly decorated interior, where ornate altars, frescoes and paintings follow one another. Among the works preserved inside, special mention goes to the painting depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Stephen by Modena-born artist Giacomo Zoboli, donated by Duke Orsini in 1696.
Useful Information
The Museum of the Cathedral of Bracciano “Bruno Panunzi”, is located in Piazza della Collegiata, just a short walk from Albergo della Posta. Admission is free. Opening hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, from 1 September to 30 June, and from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, from 1 July to 31 August. However, we recommend checking for any changes before planning your visit.
Discover Bracciano While Staying in the Heart of Its Historic Centre
Albergo della Posta enjoys a strategic location in Bracciano, close to everything worth seeing and experiencing in the town.
Photo © Radio Onda Lago
