This museum is part of the
Regional Museum Organisation (O.M.R.)
The site was created thanks to the contribution of Lazio Region
L.R. n. 24/2019, 2022 Annual Plan, DE n. G10725 of 5 August 2022, integrated and improved with contribution
from the Lazio Region L.R. 24/2019, Annual Plan 2023, DGR 399/2023 public notice DE n° G12163/2023
The Scattered Museum of the Confraternities is currently located in the churches of Santa Croce and San Francesco with the upcoming opening of an additional location in the church of San Biagio. In the first church, the procession of the Dead Christ is staged and the groups of furnishings propose the same standard: a Cyrenian, the major cross, two lampposts, the rods and insignia of each Confraternity. The coffin, from 1722, is in the centre, replacing the previous one that was lost. The base supporting Our Lady of Sorrows dates back to 1886. Also in this case, these are works that replaced the previous “imago pietatis”. The Virgin is a “clothed Madonna”, meaning that she is wearing real clothes. This is a common phenomenon in Tuscia. The icon just shows the face and the hands (in ancient times also the feet); the rest is a padded wooden structure.
The “Transport of the Dead” is reconstructed in the Church of San Francesco, carried out by the Confraternity of Mercy itself. Around the support where the dead is placed, three brothers and the priest of the Confraternity are praying. On the upper floor, on the other hand, other Confraternities’ objects and sacred vestments of the clergy called to the celebrations of the Confraternity are displayed.
The Museum's locations
Church of Santa Croce
It is located in the Sant’Agostino complex in Piazza del Popolo. The complex consists of the Church of Sant’Agostino, the Parish of Sant’Egidio and the Church of Santa Croce. The complex today has become one, unlike past centuries when it was separated by walls. The museum stretches over the large space that had been one of the rooms of the Santa Croce hospital from the end of the 1200s until 1600; a space that was later used as a sacresty. The church of Santa Croce, from the 12th century, is the oldest part of the complex; the Curch of Sant’Agostino dates back to the 14th century, while the Parish of Sant’Egidio, located in the middle, dates back to the 16th century.
Site of San Francesco
It is located in the Church of San Francesco in Piazza Senatore Manni. On the sides of the entrance door there are some reconstructions of the Confraternities. In the former sacristy, the Transport of the Dead is staged. Objects and vestments of the clergy of the Confraternities can be visited in the upper room.
Site of San Biagio
It is located in the Church of San Biagio, located in the part of the historic centre that has best preserved its medieval features. Inside it is possible to admire an 18th-century crucifix placed on a processional cross equipped with a velvet drape (“fusciacco”) with two lampposts on the sides. The figure of Our Lady of Sorrows is at the foot of the crucifixion scene. The stage of hospital care for the sick is being set up.
“1722 – 2022″ – 300 YEARS OF THE COFFIN OF THE DEAD CHRIST, A LONG HISTORY OF FAITH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw5nXGdJ9ts
realised with the support of the Lazio Region for Libraries, Museums and Archives – Annual Plan 2022, L.R. 24/2019
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DISCOVERY AND RESTORATION OF THE CRUCIFIX INSPIRED BY MAITANI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7R_XFsScAY
realized with the contribution of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Tourism for conferences and publications of cultural interest year 2022
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THE BLOOD OF PASSION
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDjUY_iFUcE
realised with the contribution of the Confraternities of Orte Year 2022
About the Museum
Opening hours
The museum is equipped with an automatic opening and closing system, thus it is advisable to leave a few minutes before closing time.
We are here
Orte (VT) - Historic Centre
Church of Santa Croce
Church of San Francesco
Church of San Biagio
Free admission
The museum is equipped with an automatic video guide. By contacting the tourist office, it is possible to take a guided tour of the venues.
“Scattered” because it is placed in the Churches of Santa Croce, San Francesco and San Biagio.
The main office is located in the Church of Santa Croce, in Piazza del Popolo, inside the large sacristy.
Here the procession of the Dead Christ is reconstructed and preserves the most beautiful furnishings of the Confraternities of Orte dating back to the 12th century.
