In line with the guidelines of the Italian Episcopal Conference regarding sacred art and cultural heritage, the Diocesan Museum of Ariano Irpino-Lacedonia was established to address the risk of dispersal and deterioration of the ecclesiastical historical-artistic heritage. It was thus created as a place for the collection and preservation of pictorial and sculptural artworks of the diocesan cultural and religious heritage removed from their original locations destroyed by the earthquakes of 1962 and 1980; in addition to safeguarding the diocesan territory, the Museum aims to foster and promote the knowledge of the diocesan cultural and religious heritage; it constitutes an important reference point for cultural initiatives. The heritage intended for display consists of paintings on canvas, sculptures, epigraphs, altar frontals, tabernacles, numerous sacred vestments, all works attributable to the centuries between the 17th and 20th. The visit route of the Diocesan Museum, located in the Church of the Annunziata and distributed over two levels, offers a linear and easily identifiable itinerary for the public. In the large church hall, the colors and embroideries of the bishops of Ariano’s full vestments suggest a catechetical itinerary. Along the corridor, the bishops’ pastoral roles are expressed through the symbols and mottos of their coats of arms. On the first floor of the residence, the textile art of sacred vestments illustrates the religiosity of a community. In the entrance hall and along the stairs, inscriptions and heraldic coats of arms recall moments in the diocese’s history; the marble sculpture serving the liturgy is represented by altar frontals and tabernacles; finally, on the upper floor, paintings on canvas and printed sacred images illustrate the cults practiced in the diocese.
Information about the Diocesan Museum of Ariano Irpino and Lacedonia
Via Annunziata snc,
83031 Ariano Irpino (Avellino)
0823651222
beniecclesiasticiariano@tin.it
Source: MIBACT
