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The Diocesan Museum of Albano: Sacred Art in the Heart of Palazzo Lercari
In the heart of Albano Laziale, an elegant 18th-century palazzo opens its doors to tell the story of centuries of faith and art. The Diocesan Museum is housed in the prestigious Palazzo Lercari. More than a simple collection of works, the museum has been conceived to express the profound ecclesiastical identity of the territory, offering a unique and evocative journey through the history of the diocese.
From a Cardinal's Residence to a Casket of Art
The palazzo owes its name to its first owner, Cardinal Nicolò Maria Lercari, who had it built in 1727 on the site of a pre-existing villa. Upon his death in 1757, the cardinal donated the building to the Curia, which transformed it into the official residence of the bishops. This historical legacy lends the museum a unique atmosphere, where the rooms themselves — once inhabited by princes of the Church — tell a story of power and spirituality.
A Journey Through the History of the Church
The sacred art collections are organised by themes, guiding the visitor on a chronological and spiritual journey through the history of the local faith. The route unfolds over three floors, beginning on the ground floor, with a true immersion into the roots of the community through finds from Christian and medieval archaeology. The visit continues upward to the piano nobile (main floor), the heart of the exhibition, where paintings and sculptures give a face to the protagonists of the Bible and the history of the diocese of Albano. Finally, the mezzanine floor reveals the most precious and refined side of the liturgy, with a splendid collection of sacred textiles and goldsmithery — masterpieces of craftsmanship and devotion.
