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The Brigandage Museum in Itri: three ways to tell the story of the "brigands"
Located on Corso Appio Claudio, along the route of the ancient Appian Way, the Museum of Brigandage opened in 2003 in a former disused nursery school. The site was converted through a contemporary architectural project that added new spaces and backlit transparent facades. The museum is situated here as Itri is the birthplace of Michele Pezza, the brigand known throughout Europe as Fra' Diavolo (Brother Devil), born in Itri on April 10, 1771.
Three sections, three different perspectives
The exhibition, curated by Vincenzo Padiglione, analyses the phenomenon of brigandage through three distinct lenses. "Historical Reasons" presents the repression of brigands, which lasted nearly a century, often reaching levels of extrajudicial severity. The "Mythical Reasons" section depicts the brigand as a romantic hero and artist through broadside ballads, operas, novels, and films, creating an imaginary picture that has endured for two centuries. Finally, "Territorial Reasons" looks at the local phenomenon: the "Land of Brigands" (Terra dei Briganti), once a mark of infamy for generations, is transformed into a resource for the area’s cultural identity.
Spaces and activities
The museum also features a documentation center, a multipurpose room, and a bookshop.
