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Culture seekers some to for its renowned art, history, and world-famous museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Vatican Museums which draw millions of visitors annually. Millions of visitors that all too often miss out on the artistic and historical marvels, including numerous UNESCO sites, that extend far beyond these iconic institutions and big name cities. To delve deeper you don’t have to go too far to escape the crowds and access a more intimate and unique experience of Italy’s history, there’s several options that are equally captivating and steeped in history that will leave you wondering why these spots are sprawling with tourists.
From Europe’s earliest paper producers to the breathtaking Baroque architecture of Palazzo Barberini, here are the museums that offer an exploration of Italy’s artistic and historical heritage that’s just as magnificent as the museums on the tourist trails without the endless lineups and bustling crowds.
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Palazzo Ducale, Urbino – Marche
The Palazzo Ducale in Urbino is a Renaissance masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, which features an impressive collection of Renaissance art, including works by artists such as Raphael and Piero della Francesca.
Urbino is the birthplace of Raphael, an artist considered more versatile than Michelangelo and more prolific than Leonardo Da Vinci! The town’s historic center is a Renaissance architectural marvel that is still fully preserved today, and it is said to be one of the most important places of the Italian Renaissance.
Guests on our ten-day, small group Italy Uncorked Tour can go on a private, bespoke tour of Urbino—exclusive to The Italian On Tour guests®! This is the perfect Italy tour if you love history and culture but also want to sip a glass of vino in Italy’s hidden wine country and visit award-winning wineries, and meet the culinary keepers of Central Italy’s most authentic territory.
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Museo della Carta e della Filigrana, Fabriano – Marche
The Paper and Watermark Museum in Fabriano is dedicated to the town’s long-standing paper-making tradition, which dates back to the 13th century. Established in 1984, the museum is housed in the former Convent of San Domenico.
Fabriano has been recognized as the UNESCO City of Creativity. It was first recognized for its claim to fame as one of the earliest paper producers in Europe. With over 700 years of local papermaking, the city is still renowned for its fine, watermarked paper.
The museum provides detailed demonstrations of traditional paper-making techniques, showcasing how paper was made by hand using ancient methods dating back to the 13th century. Visitors can see the entire process, from pulping to pressing and drying. A visit to Fabriano wouldn’t be complete without it!
A visit to Fabriano is yet another reason to choose our Italy Uncorked Tour! Our guests receive a private, exclusive live demonstration of hand-made papermaking by a master paper maker. Plus it makes for a lovely and light souvenir that you can bring back home to share some of the experience with your friends and family back home.
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Museo Civico di Altamura – Puglia
The Museo Civico di Altamura is a cultural institution located in the historic town of Altamura, in the heart of Puglia. The museum offers a rich collection of archaeological artifacts, medieval relics, and exhibits that narrate the local history and heritage of the area. It is an essential stop for anyone interested in exploring the diverse historical layers of Puglia.
The museum houses archaeological finds from the surrounding area, including pottery, tools, and other prehistoric, Greek, and Roman artifacts.
One of the museum’s most significant highlights is its section dedicated to the “Man of Altamura,” a well-preserved Neanderthal skeleton discovered in the nearby Lamalunga Cave. This exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s prehistoric inhabitants.
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Museo del Territorio, Alberobello – Puglia
Another can’t-miss historic spot in Puglia is the Museo del Territorio in the historic Puglian city of Alberobello, home of the Trulli Houses.
The museum is housed in a complex of trulli, the iconic cone-roofed structures unique to this part of Puglia, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The museum showcases the history and construction techniques of trulli houses, including displays of traditional building materials and tools. Visitors can learn about the architectural ingenuity behind these stone structures, which have been used for centuries.
Did you know trulli houses were historically designed to be quickly dismantled? This architectural feature allowed the inhabitants to evade taxes imposed by the local lords. Since the trulli were constructed without mortar, the roofs could be quickly taken apart, making the buildings appear as simple piles of stones.
Apart from the actual museum, the town of Alberobello is like an open-air museum. Guests on the Passport to Puglia tour receive a private, exclusive walking tour of this famed UNESCO Heritage site. On this eight-day adventure in the beautiful South of Italy, you’ll explore historic sites like Alberobello and Lecce, visit local artisan cheesemakers, and get some essential Vitamin Sea by the coast!
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Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice – Veneto
Situated on the south bank of the Venice Grand Canal, The Gallerie dell’Accademia is one of Italy’s premier art museums. It boasts a vast and impressive collection of Venetian paintings from the 14th to the 18th century, including Bellini, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, Titian, and many others.
One of the museum’s most famous pieces is Leonardo da Vinci’s drawing of the Vitruvian Man. However, this iconic drawing is rarely displayed due to its delicate nature.
The Gallerie dell’Accademia is housed in three interconnected historic buildings adapted to serve as an art museum. The Scuola della Carità, originally a confraternity building, and the adjoining convent and church of Santa Maria della Carità provide a historic and atmospheric setting for the museum’s extensive collection.
Planning a visit to Venice? Click here for everything you need to know about the entry fee.
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Museo della Grappa, Bassano del Grappa – Veneto
The Museo della Grappa, located in the charming town of Bassano del Grappa, is dedicated to the history and production of grappa, Italy’s famous distilled spirit. The museum is located within the historic Nardini distillery, the oldest grappa distillery in Italy, established in 1779.
The museum showcases a wide array of historical distillation equipment, including copper alembics, antique bottles, and tools used in the production of grappa, which is a fascinating glimpse into the traditional methods of grappa-making.
The museum also delves into the history of the Nardini family, which has been instrumental in developing and popularizing grappa. Visitors can also sample various types of Grappa.
Want to uncover the secrets of true artisanal-produced Grappa? Guests on the Northern Italian Delights tour will have a private tasting with a unique grappa producer–one of the last of his kind– at the foothills of the Dolomites. On this nine-day small group tour, you’ll also visit Italy’s Oldest Distillery, the UNESCO Palladian Villas, and the birthplace of Tiramisu!
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Palazzo Barberini, National Gallery of Ancient Art, Rome – Latium
Francesco Borromini, the museum is renowned for its collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the medieval period through the Baroque era.
The museum features an exceptional collection of Baroque art, including works by prominent artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and El Greco. Caravaggio’s “Judith Beheading Holofernes” and Raphael’s “La Fornarina” are among the notable masterpieces on display. The Baroque interiors are almost as impressive as the artwork itself.
Discover more hidden gems of Rome!
Planning your first trip to Italy? Finding the best locations can be difficult, especially if you don’t have the help of somebody on the inside. Start here with our Free Italy Insider’s Guide to avoid the Top 10 Mistakes Even Smart Travelers Make.
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