In July 2004, in an extraordinary act of generosity, siblings Girolamo and Rosaria Devanna donated a significant portion of their private art collection to the Italian Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Their goal was to establish a National Gallery in Puglia—and today, that gallery proudly bears their name.

The idea to donate the works they admired daily in their home overlooking Cathedral Square came from Rosaria, who wished to share that artistic heritage with the public.

The initial donation included 229 paintings and 108 drawings from the 16th to the 20th century. Over time, the collection has grown thanks to additional gifts from the Devanna siblings and their descendants. It reflects years of passionate collecting by Girolamo Devanna, who carefully acquired works from the international art market.

The gallery features pieces by foremost Italian and international masters, focusing strongly on the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Alongside these, visitors will also find works from lesser-known schools, which shed light on alternative artistic traditions. The collection also includes exceptional 19th-century works from Italy, France, Germany, and England and pieces by contemporary artists worldwide. One particularly fascinating section is dedicated to sketches, preparatory studies, models, and historic reproductions. A highlight is the remarkable collection of drawings created between the 16th and 20th centuries. These works were made using a wide range of techniques—ink, pastel, charcoal, pencil, red chalk, and watercolor—on paper and parchment, offering a captivating glimpse into the evolution of European drawing.

The Girolamo and Rosaria Devanna National Gallery presents its collection according to historical periods, artistic schools, and thematic groupings. The permanent exhibition spans eleven galleries and invites visitors on an immersive journey through centuries of art history.