National Museum of San Matteo
Discover Pisa's rich medieval art, ceramics, and the famous 'Red Dress' in a stunning former convent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
National Museum of San Matteo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Pisa's rich medieval art, ceramics, and the famous 'Red Dress' in a stunning former convent.
"An unexpected highlight of Pisa, this museum will take your breath away with its artistic treasures."
Ask for Under-25 Discount
:ticket: Inquire at the desk for reduced entry if you're under 25. It's not always advertised!
Embrace the Artistry
:art: Even if not an art buff, the medieval art here is breathtaking and historically significant.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Red Dress of Pisa'
Palazzo Reale di Pisa (Museum Nazionale)
A stunning 16th-century Florentine gown, once on a wooden effigy, now a captivating historical textile.
Medieval Religious Art
Main exhibition halls
Discover exquisite art from the 11th-14th centuries, showcasing Pisa's artistic prowess before Florentine influence.
Ceramics Collection
Ceramics exhibition area
Admire a diverse collection of ceramics, reflecting centuries of craftsmanship and artistic evolution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Ticket Discounts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Circa 1550-60, this is called the “Red Dress of Pisa.” It is a Florentine gown from the sixteenth century – it was found on a wooden effigy at San Matteo. It is housed at the Palazzo Reale di Pisa (Museum Nazionale)
Ask for Under-25 Discount
:ticket: Inquire at the desk for reduced entry if you're under 25. It's not always advertised!
Embrace the Artistry
:art: Even if not an art buff, the medieval art here is breathtaking and historically significant.
Allow an Hour
:stopwatch: A nice little museum to kill an hour, perfect for a relaxed pace.
Old Convent Charm
:building_churches: Housed in a former convent, the setting adds to the historical ambiance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Ask for Under-25 Discount
:ticket: Inquire at the desk for reduced entry if you're under 25. It's not always advertised!
Embrace the Artistry
:art: Even if not an art buff, the medieval art here is breathtaking and historically significant.
Allow an Hour
:stopwatch: A nice little museum to kill an hour, perfect for a relaxed pace.
Old Convent Charm
:building_churches: Housed in a former convent, the setting adds to the historical ambiance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Museum of San Matteo for its exquisite medieval religious art and the captivating 'Red Dress of Pisa' exhibit, all housed in a beautiful former convent. While some found the ticket desk communication challenging, most agree it's a worthwhile visit for an hour, offering a deep dive into Pisa's artistic heritage.
"If aged under 25, there is a €2 reduced price ticket as listed in their website, but you have to ask for it at the desk.
Nice little museum to kill and hour of time."
Aidan Pearson
"Beautiful exhibitions with art and sculptures from around Pisa. Well worth a visit."
Micael Sjölund
"Exquisite. Even if you are not particularly into early mediaeval religious art, this museum will still take your breath away. I never appreciated how talented and important the artists of Pisa were in the 11th to 14th century. When Pisa was invaded in 1405, the artists of Florence and Lombardy took over. The style changed. Beautifully presented in this old former convent, for me this was an unexpected highlight of my visit to Pisa."
Marianne Heredge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Pisa, Italy. It's accessible by walking from the city center or via local buses. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes.
Parking in Pisa can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or park in designated city parking lots and walk to the museum.
From Pisa Centrale, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach the museum. Walking is also an option if you enjoy a stroll through the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on operating times.
Standard admission fees apply. However, visitors under 25 can ask at the ticket desk for a reduced price ticket, as noted by visitors.
Information on online ticket purchasing is usually available on the museum's official website. Booking in advance can sometimes save time.
Yes, a reduced price ticket is available for visitors aged under 25. Be sure to ask at the ticket desk to avail this offer.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum primarily features medieval religious art, ceramics, and illuminated manuscripts, with a strong influence from Byzantium and the Italian Renaissance.
Most visitors find that about an hour is sufficient to explore the museum's collections.
While the museum focuses on religious art, its presentation can be appreciated by older children interested in history and art. The 'Red Dress of Pisa' might also capture their imagination.
The 'Red Dress of Pisa' is a significant exhibit: a Florentine gown from the 16th century found on a wooden effigy.
The art showcases Pisa's artistic importance from the 11th to 14th centuries, highlighting the transition in style after the Florentine invasion.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, museums of this size do not have extensive dining facilities. It's advisable to explore the many cafes and restaurants in Pisa's city center for meals.
Most museums have policies against bringing food and drinks into exhibition areas to protect the artifacts. Check the museum's specific rules upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions posted within the museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ Art Enthusiasts
🚶 Day-Trippers to Pisa
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistic Evolution of Pisa
Following the invasion, the artistic landscape shifted as artists from Florence and Lombardy took over. This led to a change in style, with a move towards a more naturalistic representation of figures, characteristic of the Italian Renaissance. The museum's collection effectively illustrates this transition, allowing visitors to appreciate the evolution of art in Pisa over several centuries. The influence of Byzantium is particularly noted in the sacred art from the 12th to the 16th century.
Beyond paintings and sculptures, the museum also houses an impressive collection of ceramics and illuminated manuscripts. These artifacts provide further insight into the daily life, craftsmanship, and cultural richness of medieval and Renaissance Pisa. The careful presentation of these diverse collections makes the National Museum of San Matteo an unexpected highlight for many visitors, even those not deeply specialized in art history.
Exploring the 'Red Dress of Pisa'
The dress is a testament to the textile artistry of the era and offers a tangible connection to the past. While its exact provenance and the story behind its preservation are subjects of interest, its presence in the museum is a significant draw. Visitors often express surprise and admiration at the condition and detail of this historical garment, making it a memorable part of their museum experience.
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