The National Archaeological Museum of Santa Maria delle Monache

The National Archaeological Museum of Santa Maria delle Monache is one of the most important cultural institutions in Isernia and in the Molise region. Housed in the former Benedictine convent of Santa Maria delle Monache, in the heart of the city’s historic center, the museum offers a tangible testimony to the long and complex history of Isernia and its surrounding territory — from the Samnite period to the Roman age and beyond.

History and Collections

The history of the museum began in 1934, when a municipal antiquarium was established within the former monastic complex. Over time, the collections were enriched by significant artifacts unearthed during archaeological excavations carried out in the city and nearby areas. The exhibition focuses on Isernia and the Upper Molise region, covering a period from the 6th century BC to the early Middle Ages. Among the most remarkable artifacts are Samnite coins, inscriptions, tombstones, cippi, numerous reliefs, and architectural fragments that bear witness to the city’s notable prosperity during the Roman era. A section of the museum is specifically dedicated to a Roman necropolis discovered in the locality of Quadrella.

The Connection with the Paleolithic

A distinctive feature of the Santa Maria delle Monache Museum is its close link with the National Museum of the Paleolithic in Isernia. For a period of time, some of the Paleolithic collections discovered at the famous “Isernia La Pineta” site — with artifacts dating back over 600,000 years — were also displayed here. Today, a combined ticket for the two museums allows visitors to appreciate both the testimonies of ancient civilizations and those of later historical periods, offering a comprehensive view of the region’s past.

Visitor Information

• Address: Corso Marcelli, 8, Isernia (IS). The former convent, overlooking the cardo maximus of the ancient Roman colony of Aesernia, is an ideal starting point for exploring the historic center.
• Contacts
  • Phone: +39 0865 410500
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening Hours: open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM – 2:00 PM. Closed on Mondays. It is recommended to check the updated schedule on the official website of the Direzione Regionale Musei Molise, as extraordinary openings or closures may occur.
• Tickets:
  • Full price: €6.00
  • Reduced price: €2.00 (for European Union citizens aged 18 to 25)
  • Combined ticket: €5.00 — valid for both the Museum of Santa Maria delle Monache and the National Museum of the Paleolithic of Isernia.

The National Archaeological Museum of Santa Maria delle Monache is not merely a place of preservation, but a significant window onto Isernia’s past — inviting visitors to discover the richness and depth of Molise’s history.

Cover photo courtesy of Direzione Regionale Musei Nazionali Molise