Museo Claudio Faina is an archaeological museum in Palazzo Faina, directly opposite Orvieto Cathedral in Orvieto. The museum brings together Etruscan, Greek and Roman material, with a collection shaped by the Faina family and displayed across two floors of the historic palace.
- Location: Piazza Duomo 29, opposite Orvieto Cathedral.
- Collection: Etruscan, Greek and Roman archaeological material.
- Seasonal hours: Open daily
- Admission: Full-price and reduced tickets are listed.
The Museum Opposite the Duomo
Museo Claudio Faina stands across from Orvieto Cathedral, making the cathedral square the natural starting point for a visit. The museum occupies Palazzo Faina, at Piazza Duomo 29. If you are planning to see both, the Orvieto Cathedral visit guide can help you plan the cathedral side of the square as well.
The palace once belonged to the Monaldeschi family and was renovated in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Faina family moved in between 1855 and 1856 and undertook further renovation; decorative work described by the museum followed in 1865 and 1866.
What the Collection Covers
The Faina collection spans Etruscan, Greek and Roman material, including ceramics, bronzes, jewelry and coins. You can see Attic pottery decorated with black and red figures alongside Etruscan ceramics, prehistoric and protohistoric finds, and Roman-period coins. Orvieto’s national archaeological collection is the focus of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale visitor guide.
Some of the collection’s most distinctive pieces include three amphorae attributed to Exekias, found in the Crocifisso del Tufo necropolis. Other highlighted works include architectural decorations from the Belvedere temple, a warrior-head-shaped stele, the Venus of Cannicella and two monumental sarcophagi.
The collection began with Count Mauro Faina in 1864 and was later enlarged by his heir, Eugenio. In 1954, Claudio Faina donated the family’s archaeological collection and other property to the Municipality of Orvieto. The Claudio Faina Museum Foundation followed in 1957. The collection is displayed on the palace’s first and second floors, in an arrangement renewed in 1996.
Palazzo Faina also houses Orvieto’s Civic Archaeological Museum, which is distinct from the Faina collection. The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo collections and visit tips cover a separate museum collection.
Planning Your Visit
Opening hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from October 1 through March 31. Full-price admission is €7.00 and reduced admission is €5.00.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00–17:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The museum is closed on December 25, December 26 and January 1, with special hours of 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on December 24. Hours and prices can change, so check the official site before you go. The museum offers guided visits, educational activities and a bookshop.
From Hotel Filippeschi near the old town, the museum is about a 7-minute walk. For questions about access or services, contact the museum at info@museofaina.it or by telephone on 0763 619655.
FAQs
What can you see at Museo Claudio Faina?
Highlights include amphorae attributed to Exekias and the Venus of Cannicella.
Is Museo Claudio Faina inside Palazzo Faina?
Yes. The Faina collection is displayed on the palace’s first and second floors. Palazzo Faina also houses Orvieto’s separate Civic Archaeological Museum.
Does Museo Claudio Faina have seasonal opening hours?
Open daily. Yes. Its hours differ between April 1–September 30 and October 1–March 31. Check the museum’s official site for current hours and admission details.