Cultural guide
Pesaro Civic Museums: Bellini, ceramics and Palazzo Mosca
Updated 22 October 2026. Pesaro's historic centre holds one of its most important places in the Civic Museums of Palazzo Mosca. This guide explains what to expect and how to include them in a stay on foot from Cortirola.
Why start at the Civic Museums
Pesaro's Civic Museums are housed in Palazzo Mosca and bring together painting, ceramics and decorative arts. According to the entries on Italia.it and the Italian Ministry of Culture (both in Italian), the collections include Giovanni Bellini's altarpiece, one of the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance, and a renowned ceramics collection.
Ceramics: the heart of the museum
Pesaro is a ceramics city. Among the best known pieces are the sixteenth-century istoriata majolica, made in the Duchy of Urbino between Urbino, Pesaro and Casteldurante, today Urbania. If ceramics interest you, this is the section to give the most time.
Bellini's altarpiece
Giovanni Bellini's altarpiece is one of the reasons the museum appears in the city's cultural itineraries. Before you go, check the official sites to see whether the work is on display and in which room, as displays can change.
Fitting the visit into your day
A museum visit takes about a morning or an afternoon, depending on your interest. The rest of the day can include a walk in the historic centre and a stop in the square. To build the full itinerary, read Pesaro in 3 days.
Opening hours and booking
Opening hours and closing days change by season and holiday. Check them on the museums' official channels before planning your visit, especially during events such as the Rossini Opera Festival.
Staying within walking distance
Cortirola Luxury Apartment is at Via Cortirola 8, in the historic centre of Pesaro. From the apartment you can walk to the cultural sites of the centre; to arrive by train, car or plane read the how to get here guide.
Frequently asked questions
What can you see at Pesaro's Civic Museums?
The collections include Giovanni Bellini's altarpiece and a rich ceramics collection, in particular sixteenth-century majolica made in the Duchy of Urbino, between Urbino, Pesaro and Casteldurante (Urbania).
Where are the Civic Museums?
They are in Palazzo Mosca, in piazza Mosca, in the historic centre of Pesaro.
What are the opening hours?
Hours change by season and holiday: check the museums' official channels before your visit.
Can you visit the museums on foot from Cortirola?
Cortirola is at Via Cortirola 8, in the historic centre of Pesaro, so the cultural sites of the centre are reachable on foot.
Read also: Cortirola Luxury Apartment · Pesaro in 3 days · What to eat in Pesaro · Ducal Palace