Bologna San Paolo in Monte Museums
San Paolo in Monte Museums Photos
About San Paolo in Monte Museums
This museum is upstairs from San Paolo Church and along the corridor from the kids school. This is probably one of Bologna’s greatest museums not only for the treasures on display but also because you can get so close as to almost touch them.
The artifacts in this room not only demonstrate the history of this ecclesiastical institution from 1403 but also are an important witness to art and culture in Bologna throughout the centuries.
This fragment from a book dates to 14th century and the miniature paintings are attributed to Nicolò di Giacomo.
This next painting is a tempera showing the Crucifixion by Orazio di Jacopo dating early to mid 1400s. It was originally in the church where there is now a copy above the altar.
The Madonna and Child here was completed by an unknown artist in the 15th century.
Filippo Scandellari executed this sculpture of Mary crying over the dead body of Christ late 1700s. There are quite a few other works of his here as well as those life size ones in the cloister below.
There are 14 Stations of the Cross here, the work of Barbara Burrini from Bologna in the early 1700s. They recall the memory of Via Crucis, a reference to pilgrimages in this area which were established in 1716.
This next selection which has been expertly restored displays 17th century terracotta sculptures from the nativity scene on the top level.
This area of the room would have been used as small chapel, perhaps with the altar where the polychrome statues from the 1700s are now.
Centre stage is this Palestinese Cross from the 18th century which does in fact hold reliquaries in tiny niches at the ends of each arm and leg. The fine detail is incredible and can only be seen up close. It would have been used to celebrate special occasions in the liturgical calendar. On either side of the cross are two small canvases by Crespi.
There are other similar crosses here equally beautiful and valuable.
The glass cabinet here holds precious chalices made of gold and silver, some also with studded gems.
In another cabinet is one of the room’s most precious exhibits. This silver chalice manufactured locally in the 1400s was used by St Bernard of Siena to celebrate mass when he stayed here at the monastery. A Latin inscription attests to this.
At the feet of it are very fine images showing the crucifixion and several saints.
These sculptures of busts in the corner date to around the 19th century by unknown artists.
Finally, on the wall here are letters written by St Leonard of Porto Maurizio dating to the mid 1700s.
Next is this Oriental and African collection. Just inside the door way are these images of martyrs who belonged to this order. They were killed in China many years ago as a direct consequence of their missionary work.
This room is currently used to hold events and conferences. Along the walls are antique exhibits in glass cabinets.
The first ones on the right come from New Guinea. Most of them though were brought back from China by missionaries who returned home over the years to inform others of their work.
These items that they bring back are in part used for didactic purposes since it reveals much about local customs and life styles that the brothers and nuns are working in.
In particular, small statues that may represent Godly figures are also indicative of the uphill struggle priests face in order to convert people. For this reason too, their religious duties are often perilous and much of their work in China for example is still carried out clandestinely.
Although this room appears only to reflect a mere token of their work abroad this convent of Osservanza is quite proud of their missionary work and of those who have passed through its doors. There are now only about six permanently resident brothers but with much devotion to carry out this place has still considerable influence among the many religious orders locally and internationally.