Palazzo Sassi de' Lavizzari
On the first floor of this 16th-century palazzo, a panelled room stops most visitors cold. The stüa — an Alpine wood-lined chamber carved with the coats of arms of the Salis da Zizers family — is the kind of thing you don't expect to find inside a municipal museum on a quiet street in Sondrio. The carving is dense and assured, the kind of craftsmanship that makes the rest of the building feel like a frame around a single, serious object.
The palazzo now houses the MVSA — Museo Valtellinese di Storia e Arte — across six sections that move from archaeology through sacred art, a deep archive of the Ligari painter family workshop, and 20th-century work. The courtyard, porticoed on two sides under cross vaults, is stone-paved and unhurried.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who come back tend to head straight for the Ligari rooms — over 800 objects from a single Valtellinese family workshop, which turns out to be less a collection than a biography of how an 18th-century atelier actually functioned. The stüa on the first floor rewards a second look too, once you know what you're reading in the carved heraldry.
The story behind Palazzo Sassi de' Lavizzari
The palazzo dates to the 16th century, with later work carried out in the 18th. Its original owner was Giovanni Salis da Zizers, from the Grisons, whose family left their mark most visibly in the carved stüa upstairs. The building passed through time until 1922, when engineer Francesco Sassi de' Lavizzari donated it to the Municipality of Sondrio, stipulating that it be used for cultural purposes — a condition the city eventually honoured in full.
The museum itself was founded in 1947 and opened to the public on 20 May 1951, with Giovanni Battista Gianoli as its first director. A Sacred Art section from the Diocesan Museum joined the collection in 1961. The MVSA moved into the restored palazzo permanently in 1994, where it has remained since.
Good to know
The museum sits on Via Maurizio Quadrio, a minute's walk from the Via Piazzi bus stop; Sondrio railway station is served by RE8, R12 and R13 lines. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00. Closed 1 January, Easter, 15 August and 25 December. Admission is free for EU citizens under 14, ICOM members and several other categories.
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What travellers say about Palazzo Sassi de' Lavizzari
They are a simple yet pleasant green space, perfect for a quiet break in the city. They are conveniently located and easily accessible, offering a small haven of relaxation away from traffic and the daily grind. The park is well-maintained and offers an orderly environment, with trees providing shade on hot days and benches for relaxing. It's not a large or particularly scenic garden, but its compact size makes it welcoming and suitable for everyone: families, students, or those simply looking for a moment of peace and quiet. It's also a pleasant place for a short stroll, perhaps with friends or while waiting to visit the city center. The atmosphere is generally quiet and relaxed, with a sense of authentic everyday life. Overall, the Gardens of Assisi are a small but useful green space that enriches Sondrio, offering a simple yet pleasant break in the heart of the city.
Small garden in the center of the city suitable only for a relaxing break, not a playground.
My friends and I meet here for a chat and to exchange book recommendations. The staff is friendly and welcoming.
Nice, it's just a shame about all the Pokemon that are running around and sometimes they're a bit intrusive.
A quiet and shady place for a relaxing break.
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