Artistic illusionism in the archbishop's house
The eighteenth century Palazzo that also has roots in the Fifteenth century was the residence of the Patriarchs of Aquileia from 1593 to 1751 and today is home to the archbishop. The original building dates back to the sixteenth century, als die Patriarchen von Aquileia die Burg von Udine verlassen und in ein anderes Stadthaus ziehen mussten when the Patriarchs of Aquileia had to leave the castle of Udine and move to another townhouse.
In the eighteenth century the building was subjected to following modifications by Domenico Rossi, entrusted by Patriarch Dionisio Delfino. In fact, between 1708 and 1725, the wing with the library and the staircase were made, the central body was raised after the realization of the portal and the works in the north wing and the honour staircase were concluded.
Since 1995 the Patriarchal Palazzo - now Archiepiscopal Palazzo - has been housing the Museo Diocesano e le Gallerie del Tiepolo (Diocesan Museum and Galleries of Tiepolo), which displays works of art collected from the churches of the Diocese and preserves many frescoes by the young Giambattista Tiepolo, which can be dated back to 1726-1729.
On the ceiling of the entrance staircase you can admire the wonderful fresco entitled "Fall of the rebel angels". The Galleria degli Ospiti (Gallery of Guests) features some of the most beautiful frescoes by the famous artist depicting themes from the Bible, while on the ceiling of the Red Room you can see the "Judgement of Solomon".
In the eighteenth century the building was subjected to following modifications by Domenico Rossi, entrusted by Patriarch Dionisio Delfino. In fact, between 1708 and 1725, the wing with the library and the staircase were made, the central body was raised after the realization of the portal and the works in the north wing and the honour staircase were concluded.
Since 1995 the Patriarchal Palazzo - now Archiepiscopal Palazzo - has been housing the Museo Diocesano e le Gallerie del Tiepolo (Diocesan Museum and Galleries of Tiepolo), which displays works of art collected from the churches of the Diocese and preserves many frescoes by the young Giambattista Tiepolo, which can be dated back to 1726-1729.
On the ceiling of the entrance staircase you can admire the wonderful fresco entitled "Fall of the rebel angels". The Galleria degli Ospiti (Gallery of Guests) features some of the most beautiful frescoes by the famous artist depicting themes from the Bible, while on the ceiling of the Red Room you can see the "Judgement of Solomon".
The other rooms of the House are precious as well due to the elegant stuccos (Yellow Room) and the grotesqueries by Giovanni da Udine (Blue Room). In the diocesan museum there are also remarkable works by Giovanni da Udine, by Palma Junior, etc. One entire floor is dedicated to wooden sculptures, chronologically arranged from the 12th to the 18th century, that represents the best artistic expression of sacred art in Friuli.
Worthy of mention for its great artistic prestige is the Patriarch Delfino's Library, the first public library in Udine, where paintings of Nicolò Bambini and valuable books are preserved - illuminated codes, incunables and rare first editions.
Opening hours
from Wednesday to Monday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 3.00 p.m.-6.00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays
The Museum is closed on Christmas, Easter and January 1.
Special conventions: Free entrance for FVG Card holders
For Information:
Museo diocesano e gallerie del Tiepolo
Piazza del Patriarcato, 2 - Udine
Tel.: +39 0432 25003
E-mail: info@musdioc-tiepolo.it
Worthy of mention for its great artistic prestige is the Patriarch Delfino's Library, the first public library in Udine, where paintings of Nicolò Bambini and valuable books are preserved - illuminated codes, incunables and rare first editions.
Opening hours
from Wednesday to Monday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 3.00 p.m.-6.00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays
The Museum is closed on Christmas, Easter and January 1.
Special conventions: Free entrance for FVG Card holders
For Information:
Museo diocesano e gallerie del Tiepolo
Piazza del Patriarcato, 2 - Udine
Tel.: +39 0432 25003
E-mail: info@musdioc-tiepolo.it
Venzone - Udine