The Palazzo Vescovile is the Episcopal Palace of Acquapendente. In the past, part of this building was also used as a prison, but nowadays it serves as the seat of the Museo Civico Diocenano.
Palazzo Vescovile Acquapendente
Address and opening hours
The address of the Palazzo Vescovile is Via Roma, 85 – 01021 Acquapendente. Tel. +39 07637309205. Opening times 1 October – 30 March: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 18.30. Opening hours 1 April – 30 September: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 till 13.00 and from 15.30 till 19.00 hrs. Entrance fee: 3 Euro. Entrance fee 65+ and children from 7 to 14 years: 2 Euro. Free of charge: Children under 7. Included: Visit to the Torre Julia de’ Jacopo.
History and description
After the destruction of the city of Castro, on November 13, 1649, Acquapendente was declared the new bishop’s seat of the region. The municipality itself then bought the palace from the Oliva family and donated it to the bishop.
Towards the end of the 17th century the building was restored. Its current appearance was achieved a century later, when the palace was enlarged.
At the main entrance, the words .ALFONSUS. ARCHIEPS. AMALF. S. D. N. PP. SACR. 1544 can be read, referring to the very first owner of the building.
After a recent renovation, part of the palace came to be used as the seat of the Museo Civico Diocesano. The apartments of the bishop himself are located on the 1st floor. Here you can also see a number of works of art that used to adorn the various churches in Acquapendente and surroundings.
On the first floor one can visit the old prison, with ancient graffiti on the walls.
Some of the rooms on this floor are also used for conferences.