Art in Italy

Discover 74 places to experience unusual art in Italy.

Museo Barracco di Scultura Antica

An expansive collection donated by an heirless nobleman formed this admission-free civic museum.

Big Bench #137

Hundreds of these oversized benches have been built as an art project meant to change people's perspectives.

Visconti-Sforza Tarot Cards

Beautifully decorated tarot cards from the Middle Ages.

'The Bench of the Lovers'

'The Bench of the Lovers'

A portrayal of two lamps embraced and in love.

Castello di Poppi

Castello di Poppi

During World War II, a number of important sculptures and paintings were moved to this castle for safekeeping.

Cappella Suardi

Trescore Balneario, Italy

Cappella Suardi

Jesus turns into vines inside this chapel.

Museo Mario Cassisa: Atelier le Labyrinthe de la Mèmorial

Museo Mario Cassisa: Atelier le Labyrinthe de la Mèmoria

The former atelier of Mario Cassisa is a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures, and artist books.

Gli Sposi Borghesi (The Bourgeois Spouses).

'Living Skeletons Scenes'

Six paintings reminding you that death is integral part of everyday life.

The hare

Sant'Andrea's Hare

A hidden bas-relief of a hare on a church main portal that brings good luck to the ones who find it.

The fresco after restoration

'Trionfo della Morte'

This uncanny fresco celebrating the "triumph of death" was split into four pieces to be moved to another museum.

Two walls and part of the ceiling

Sala dei Giganti (Chamber of the Giants)

A room filled with frescos that make it seem like the walls are crumbling down while giants die in despair.

Looking to the inner courtyard.

The Camposanto

Next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a cemetery home to ancient sarcophagi and disturbing murals.

National Museum of San Matteo

National Museum of San Matteo

Inside features a display of how artistic crucifixes transformed throughout the centuries.

Borromini's Perspective Gallery of Palazzo Spada

Borromini's Perspective Gallery of Palazzo Spada

This gallery commissioned by Cardinal Spada is known for its magnificent optical illusion.

The Demon of Palazzo Salina

The Demon of Palazzo Salina

This building features dozens of faces along its facade, although one is a bit chilling.

Guidarello Guidarelli Funeral Monument

Guidarello Guidarelli Funeral Monument

Legend has it that any woman who kissed this statue would soon be married.