Chest of Authentic Beauty
Inaugurated on May 18, 2002, it was described by the Daily Telegraph as "one of the most beautiful among Italy's small museums." Palazzo Corboli is officially recognized by the Tuscany Region as a "Museum of Regional Significance."
The entire museum collection is housed within one of the most prestigious historic buildings in the historic center of Asciano, along the main street, on the path of the ancient Via Lauretana.
The Palace
The name "Corboli" derives from the Marchigian family that owned it in modern times; but to understand the full history of the building, we must go further back in time: the first construction dates back to the 13th century and consisted of a tower-house and another building separated by an open space. Over time, it underwent numerous modifications and expansions, eventually taking on the form we can admire today. In the medieval period, it belonged to the noble Sienese Bandinelli family, whose coats of arms are recurrent in the building's pictorial decoration. The palace spans three floors and still preserves within its walls several fresco cycles of significant historical and artistic interest.
The Frescoes
The frescoes alone are worth a visit to the Museum: the "Sala di Aristotele" and the "Sala delle Stagioni," attributed to Cristoforo di Bindoccio and Meo di Pero, and dated to the second half of the 14th century, are rare examples of secular fresco cycles and are among the earliest references to Ambrogio Lorenzetti's "Allegory of Good Government."
The ART Section
This section displays the most significant works from the major churches of Asciano: S. Agata, S. Agostino, and S. Francesco. Renowned artists such as Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Francesco di Valdambrino, Sano di Pietro (or the Master of the Osservanza), Taddeo di Bartolo, Giovanni Pisano, Bernardino Mei, and many others are featured in this exhibition, which spans from the 13th to the 18th century, representing the broad artistic panorama present in the Asciano area during that time.
The ARCHAEOLOGY Section
This section gathers ancient traces from the Upper Ombrone Valley, with lavish burial goods from the Etruscan necropolises of the Tumulo del Molinello and the Necropolis of Poggio Pinci (Asciano), as well as the "princely" tomb from the Necropolis of Poggione (Castelnuovo Berardenga), which includes a rare Etruscan chariot. Some rooms are dedicated to the large thermal complex of Campo Muri (Rapolano Terme), dating back to the Etruscan-Roman era.
The CERAMICS Section
This section pays homage to the recognition of Asciano as a "City of Recognized Ceramic Tradition" by the Ministry, and it displays important artifacts that testify to the ancient and enduring production history, documented from at least the medieval period until the late 19th century. From artifacts recovered from waste wells to the most recent donations, this section offers fascinating ceramic pieces: from rare medieval majolica to the more substantial collection attributed to the Filigelli family, and up to the Francini family, all renowned potters from Asciano.
PHOTO CREDITS
Linda Frosini
ACCESSIBILITY
The museum is fully accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
We look forward to seeing you!
INFORMATION
SUMMER HOURS from 1st April to 31th October:
from Monday to Sunday and on holidays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM / 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.
WINTER HOURS from 1st November to 31st March:
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM / 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Open with regular hours: December 8, December 26, January 6
Reduced afternoon hours: January 1
Closed: December 25
Open all year by reservation.
TICKETS
Adult: € 5,00
Reduced: € 3,00 - residents of the Municipality of Asciano, groups of at least 10 people, visitors over 65, holders of the EduMusei Card and the APC Gold Card, visitors purchasing one or more guided tours of Municipal Museums or other archaeological sites within the Municipality.
Free - the first Sunday of the month (from November to March), residents of the Municipality of Asciano (on the second Sunday of each month), school groups and their chaperones, university students up to 26 years old with a student ID, minors under 18, people with disabilities and their caregivers, licensed tour guides and tour leaders, ICOM and CTG members, during events organized by the Municipality.
Cumulative ticket (including Cassioli Museum): € 6,00
WHERE
Corso Giacomo Matteotti 122, 53041 – Asciano (SI)
CONTACTS
Tel. +39 0577 714450
Mobile: +39 348 0847875
Email:
