The Diocesan Museum is a treasure chest of art that offers a true journey into the spiritual and artistic memory of the entire Agro Nocerino-Sarnese, collecting works that document centuries of faith, history and creativity of its community.
The “San Prisco” Diocesan Museum is located in the charming Vescovado village a few steps from the Cathedral, on the ground floor of theformer Bishop’s Seminary, an imposing building founded in the 16th century and then remodeled in Baroque forms between the 17th and 18th centuries. The intent that guided the birth of the museum is to bring together in a single cultural “nursery” the works of art that were in danger of being dispersed in the various churches in the area, thus creating a dynamic collection, designed to rotate periodically and always offer new insights.
From the 16th century to the Baroque: the beginning of the journey
The main room of the museum is dominated by the figure of the patron saint with the Processional Bust of St. Prisco made in 1771 by Neapolitan Saverio Manzone in silver, gilded bronze and semi-precious stones.
Around the bust are pictorial works dating from the 16th to the 19th century. These include the 16th-century panel painting of the
The Treasure of the Diocese: the silverware
The museum also preserves a rich array of liturgical objects, votive offerings and devotional jewelry. Among the most significant works are a 14th-century Gothic chalice from Angri, a rare example of medieval goldsmithing that bears the oldest known punch of Neapolitan silversmiths, and a fine silver and crystal composter, of Parisian manufacture, later adapted for Ash Wednesday rites. This section allows us to observe the artistic influences that the Agro has welcomed, from Naples to France.
Sacred vestments and popular devotion
The final part of the tour itinerary is devoted to the ritual dimension of the faith. On display here are sacred vestments, chasubles and copes made of silk and gold thread, often from the famous Bourbon manufactories of San Leucio, used by bishops during solemn celebrations.
Alongside the textiles are the ex votos, small silver silhouettes depicting body parts or whole figures, donated by the faithful as thanks for graces received.
These objects, along with several wooden sculptures made between the 15th and 18th centuries, ancient monstrances and processional crosses, tell the story of the faith and devotion that for centuries have passed through the communities of this area.
