Francesco Antonio Marcucci Museum and Library

History of the Francesco Antonio Marcucci Museum and Library

Monsignor Francesco Antonio Marcucci donated the building to the Institute, founded to provide for the education of women, which became the first girls' school in Ascoli. The convent of the Pie Operaie was built in the second half of the 18th century and is attributed to the architect Maggi. Work on the Casa Madre (mother house) began on January 20, 1780 with the laying of the first stone of the church of the Immacolata. Marcucci recorded the building costs in the Libro della Fabrica. In 1789 he moved into the new building he had wanted. The current exhibition route was inaugurated by the sisters in 1993.

What to see in the Francesco Antonio Marcucci Museum and Library

The visit begins in the long entrance hall of the former Foresteria (guest quarters), where the founder spent his last years. Here hangs the oil portrait of Marcucci painted in 1770 by Nicola Monti, on the occasion of his appointment as bishop. In it the bishop points with his hand to the image of the Immaculate Conception. The display cases hold documents on the construction of the Casa Madre and objects belonging to Madre Tecla. Above one case is a reproduction of the plan of Ascoli drawn in 1646 by Emidio Ferretti.

The following rooms hold paintings, sacred furnishings and furniture of the Marcucci family, a series of portraits of the most distinguished sisters and the frescoed oval chapel. Other rooms are devoted to women's education, the missions, Pius IX and Saint Emidius. The route then continues to the Galleria, the Biblioteca Marcucciana, the modern library and the archive. Some rooms keep the desks of the old school, with books and objects documenting the subjects taught, from embroidery to philosophy.

How to visit the Francesco Antonio Marcucci Museum and Library

Services include access for people with disabilities, guided tours, a reading room and the historical archive. The museum opens during some summer periods, but it can be visited by reservation all year round. It is therefore advisable to contact the institute before going. Updated opening hours are in the box on the page.

Where the Francesco Antonio Marcucci Museum and Library is

The museum is in the historic center of Ascoli Piceno, between the San Tommaso and Porta Romana districts, inside the convent of the Pie Operaie. By car, take the A14 highway to the San Benedetto del Tronto exit, then the Ascoli-Mare expressway to the Porta Cartara exit. From Rome take the SS 4 Salaria, from Teramo the SS 81 Piceno Aprutina. Tour buses have a parking area at Porta Romana, in the square in front of the Chiesa del Crocifisso.

Near the Francesco Antonio Marcucci Museum and Library

The historic center of Ascoli is built almost entirely of travertine and revolves around the Renaissance Piazza del Popolo in Ascoli Piceno. The city is known as the "City of a Hundred Towers". More places to round off the day are on the page things to do in Ascoli Piceno.