The National Archaeological Museum of Venafro: A Journey Through the Millennia of Molise’s History

In the historic heart of Venafro, a Molise town with deep ancient roots, stands a place that serves as a bridge between past and present: the National Archaeological Museum of Venafro. Housed within the evocative 17th-century monastery of Santa Chiara, this museum is an essential stop for anyone wishing to explore the millennia-old history and cultural richness of the area. Its carefully curated collections tell the story of a past that spans from prehistory to the early Middle Ages, highlighting the greatness of ancient Venafrum and the civilizations that once inhabited it.

From the Origins of the Monastery to the Museum Site

The museum found its permanent home in a building that itself holds centuries of history. The Monastery of Santa Chiara, a 17th-century architectural gem, first welcomed archaeological finds in 1931 and officially became a museum in 1996, following careful restoration and rearrangement by the Superintendence. Its spacious halls and tranquil cloister provide the ideal setting for an immersive and reflective visit, far from the noise of modern life. The atmosphere within makes the discovery of each artifact a unique and memorable experience.

The Collections: Treasures from a Distant Past

The exhibition route of the Archaeological Museum of Venafro is a true journey through the ages, divided into thematic sections that guide visitors through the different phases of local history.

• The Roman Era and Ancient Venafrum: the ground floor of the museum is mainly dedicated to finds from excavations of the ancient Roman city and its surroundings. Visitors can admire funerary monuments, inscriptions, household objects, and everyday items that provide insight into the social and economic life of the time. Among the most remarkable pieces are two imposing male statues discovered at the Baths of Sant’Aniello—initially thought to represent Augustus and Tiberius, but now believed to depict two prominent Venafran figures.
• The Medieval Section: one wing of the museum focuses on the Middle Ages, displaying artifacts that illustrate the history of the area after the fall of the Roman Empire. The highlight of this section is the Venafro Chess Set, an extraordinary group of bone chess pieces dating back to the 9th–10th century, considered among the oldest in Europe. This remarkable discovery offers valuable evidence of the commercial and cultural exchanges linking Venafro to the Arab world during that period.
• Finds from San Vincenzo al Volturno: the museum also houses artifacts from the renowned monastic complex of San Vincenzo al Volturno, one of the most important Benedictine sites in early medieval Europe. The collection includes tools, ceramics, and architectural elements that recount the daily life and history of this center of faith and culture.
• The Venus of Venafro: the highlight of the entire collection is the magnificent Venus of Venafro, a Roman marble copy from the Antonine age (2nd century AD) inspired by Praxiteles’ Aphrodite of Knidos. Discovered by chance in 1958, this statue—with its harmonious proportions and classical elegance—embodies timeless beauty and stands as a true symbol of Molise’s archaeological heritage.

Visitor Information

To plan your visit to this treasure chest of history and culture, here are some practical details:

• Address: Corso Garibaldi, 8, Venafro (IS), in the heart of the historic center.
• Contacts
  • Phone: +39 0865 900742
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening Hours: hours may vary, so it is always advisable to check the official website of the Ministry of Culture. Generally open from Tuesday to Sunday, continuous hours from 8:15 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Ticket Prices:
  • Full ticket: €6.00
  • Reduced ticket: €2.00 (for European Union citizens aged 18 to 25)
  • Free admission for visitors under 18 and during special events.
     

The National Archaeological Museum of Venafro is far more than a mere collection of artifacts — it is a living, vibrant narrative that restores the dignity and richness of a past which continues to shape the identity of Molise today.

Cover photo credits: Pufui PcPifpef, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0