Located along the ancient Via Appia, the Museum of Brigandage in Itri narrates a story interweaving culture, tradition, and memory. Opened in 2003, it serves as both a museum and a memorial, offering a place for reflection and knowledge. The controversial past of brigandage, often overlooked or stigmatised, is brought to light with a critical and multidimensional approach.
The exhibition is divided into three sections:
• Origins of Brigandage: This section examines the roots of the phenomenon, exploring its social, economic, and political aspects. It delves into the dynamics that led to its emergence and how it was managed by the rulers of the time.
• The Brigand in Collective Imagination: This part explores the evolution of the brigand figure, from the romantic folk hero featured in operas, literature, and theatre, to a cinematic icon in the 20th century.
• The Brigand in Everyday Life: The museum’s most valuable section offers an intimate look at daily life through the voices of historians and local testimonies, presenting an authentic and complex image of the phenomenon.
A special homage is dedicated to Michele Pezza, known as Fra Diavolo, the most famous brigand of Itri, whose story intertwines with that of the community and territory.
The Museum of Brigandage is a place of rediscovery and identity, transforming the label “Land of Brigands” into a symbol of strength and historical awareness, preserving a memory that continues to resonate.
