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Aldo Manuzio Writing Museum in Bassiano: an unexpected journey through the history of the written word
In the heart of Bassiano, a village in the Monti Lepini region, the Museo delle Scritture Aldo Manuzio is not merely a tribute to the celebrated humanist who invented the pocket book and was born right here; it is a journey that explores the history of writing in surprising ways, housed within the 16th-century Palazzo Caetani. Its uniqueness lies in the attention given to humbler testimonies, such as the graffiti left by shepherds.
The River of Writings
The museum itinerary follows a route called the "Fiume delle Scritture" — the River of Writings — tracing the evolution of techniques and materials. It begins with clay tablets and travels all the way to 20th-century printing presses, passing through the precious "cinquecentine" (16th century books) printed by Manuzio himself. It is a tangible narrative, consisting of objects, mechanisms and ideas that changed the world.
Voices on the walls
But the real surprise lies where one least expects it. The museum dedicates a special space to the graffiti and engravings left on walls by those held prisoner in the palazzo when a part of it served as a gaol. These testimonies — alongside those collected from shepherds from the surrounding territory — tell a parallel story, one of everyday life and suffering. A popular memory rescued from oblivion.
The museum is located in Via Aldo Manuzio 117, Bassiano (LT). Entry is for a fee, and advance booking is recommended. For up-to-date opening hours and admission prices, it is always best to consult the official website of the museum or the Municipality of Bassiano before your visit.
