The Art Gallery of Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera

In the heart of Città di Castello, Umbria, rises the majestic Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera, a Renaissance architectural gem that houses an invaluable treasure — its Art Gallery. This remarkable collection offers visitors a fascinating journey through centuries of history, displaying masterpieces of exceptional artistic and historical value, making it an essential stop for lovers of art and culture.

The gallery is located within Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera, one of four magnificent residences built by the powerful Vitelli family in Città di Castello between the 15th and 16th centuries. Situated on Via del Cannone, the palace takes its name from the “cannoniera” (gun battery) integrated into the structure, a reminder of the Vitelli family’s defensive and military role in local history. The building itself is a masterpiece of Renaissance design, attributed to Antonio da Sangallo the Younger or Giorgio Vasari, and stands as one of Umbria’s finest examples of the period’s architecture. Its frescoed halls, elegant courtyards, and grand loggia provide the perfect setting for the artworks displayed inside.

Masterpieces of Palazzo Vitelli

The Art Gallery of Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera boasts an eclectic and prestigious collection, the result of acquisitions, donations, and legacies accumulated over centuries. The central core of the collection features both sacred and secular art, with a particular focus on Umbrian and Tuscan painting from the 15th to the 18th century.

Among the most notable works are those by Giorgio Vasari, the celebrated painter, architect, and biographer of the Lives of the Artists, who maintained close ties with the Vitelli family and the city itself. His paintings in the gallery provide valuable insight into the refined Mannerist style of 16th-century Tuscany.

The collection also includes works by Raffaellino del Colle, a pupil of Raphael, whose elegant compositions and refined brushwork enrich the museum’s offerings. Other great masters represented include Luca Signorelli, known for his expressive power, and Andrea della Robbia, whose glazed terracotta sculptures add color and vitality to the exhibition.

Alongside these illustrious names, the gallery displays works by local and regional artists, offering a complete picture of Umbrian Renaissance and Baroque art. The variety of subjects — from altarpieces and portraits to mythological scenes and still lifes — makes the visit an engaging and ever-surprising experience.

A Living Center of Culture and Memory

The Art Gallery of Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera is far more than a repository of artworks; it is a true center of culture and historical memory. The works on display not only trace the evolution of artistic styles but also narrate the story of the Vitelli family, their patronage, and their influence on the political and cultural life of Città di Castello.

Opening Hours:

• April 1 – October 31: 10:00 – 13:00 / 14:30 – 18:30
• November 1 – March 31: 10:00 – 13:00 / 15:00 – 18:00
• Closed: Monday (except on holidays and eves of holidays)

Tickets:

• Full price: € 8.00
• Reduced: € 6.00 (groups > 15 people, visitors > 65 years, ages 6–18, university students < 25, FAI members, pilgrims with credentials, Festival card holders, or visitors with tickets from other partner museums such as the Civic Museum of Sansepolcro or the MAEC of Cortona)
• Schools: € 3.00 (primary, middle, and high-school groups)
• Family A: € 21.00 (2 adults + 1 child aged 6–14)
• Family B: € 26.00 (2 adults + 2 children aged 6–14)
• Family C: € 30.00 (2 adults + 3 children aged 6–14)
• Free admission: Children under 6, schools of Città di Castello, ICOM members

Cover photo credits: Official Città di Castello Tourism Website