MUDIA – Diocesan Museum of Agrigento

The massive Bishop’s Palace is adjacent to the cathedral; it dates from the same period as the cathedral and was enlarged and modified over the centuries. Part of this monumental building houses MUDIA, the Diocesan Museum and Museum of the Cathedral. In eight different halls wonderful exhibits tell the story of the Diocese of Agrigento from its rebirth under the Normans after 1087 to modern times: admire medieval frescoes, baroque paintings and magnificent sacred objects and vestments. Particular mention goes to the medieval reliquaries of 12^th century and the portable Altar of Saint Gerlando which was allegedly taken on the crusades and used by the crusaders to celebrate Holy Mass prior to a battle when there was no Christian place of worship in the vicinities. Besides this mysterious religious object, you can admire frescoes of the 14^th and 15^th century which have been discovered during recent restoration of the cathedral, religious articles brought back from Jerusalem by the crusaders, 18^th century paintings, ancient reliquaries and rare bejeweled vestments.

The MUDIA houses a small garden of great charm and history, recently restored and give back to the use: the “Episcopal Garden” built in 1700 by the will of Bishop Lucchesi Palli. Today it is become a multipurpose open space, between greenery, citrus fruits and the smells of Sicily preserveding the intimate and recollection qualities peculiar of ecclesiastical gardens. The citrus fruits of the garden after harvesting are processed with care and with methods respectful of tradition to become delicious jams to take away in convenient travel packages.The Garden is accessible from the Museum and in addition to offering refreshment and meditation to visitors, it is used for outdoor teaching and for exclusive events such as cultural evenings organized by Diocesan Museum. A stop at the MUDIA Diocesan Museum is a must: a visit to the Cathedral would not be complete without admiring its most precious treasures. Not to be missed