The National Museum of Abruzzo in L’Aquila: A Beacon of History and Resilience

L’Aquila, a city of ancient origins and vibrant spirit, preserves among its most precious treasures the National Museum of Abruzzo (MuNDA). More than a simple exhibition space, MuNDA stands as a symbol of resilience, a guardian of memory, and a beacon for the cultural future of the region. Its story — particularly in recent decades — is inseparable from the seismic events that have struck the area, making it a shining example of recovery and rebirth.

A Historic Home and the Post-Earthquake Journey

Founded as the Royal National Museum, its historic home was for many years the magnificent 16th-century Spanish Fortress of L’Aquila. This imposing stronghold, with its robust walls and commanding position, hosted for decades collections of inestimable value — from prehistoric artifacts to sacred medieval art and modern works.

The earthquake of April 6, 2009, dealt a severe blow both to the fortress and to the museum. Structural damage rendered the historic building unsafe, posing an enormous challenge for the preservation and accessibility of L’Aquila’s cultural heritage. Yet the determination of local institutions and the community never wavered. Through an extraordinary effort of restoration and adaptation, MuNDA found a new — though temporary — home in the former Municipal Slaughterhouse, a structure carefully renovated and adapted to host its prestigious collections. This new location, inaugurated in 2015, allowed the museum to reopen and continue its educational and cultural mission.

Collections: A Journey through the Centuries

The National Museum of Abruzzo offers a fascinating journey through time, illustrating the historical, artistic, and archaeological richness of the region.

• Archaeological Section: a true dive into Abruzzo’s most ancient past. Artifacts ranging from prehistory to the Roman era bear witness to early civilizations and their everyday lives, beliefs, and customs. Particularly noteworthy are finds from the Marsica and Conca Aquilana archaeological areas.
• Sacred Art and Sculpture Section: the heart of the collection features an exceptional display of sacred artworks, many originating from churches and monasteries across Abruzzo. Medieval sculpture represents one of the museum’s highlights, with masterpieces from the Romanesque to the Gothic periods reflecting the region’s profound spirituality. Among the most celebrated works is Saturnino Gatti’s Corpus Domini — a wooden masterpiece of striking expressiveness and artistic value.
• Numismatic and Ceramic Section: the museum also houses significant collections of coins and ceramics, retracing economic history and artistic craftsmanship from everyday pottery to fine decorative pieces.
• The Mammoth of Campo Imperatore: one of MuNDA’s most iconic exhibits is the nearly complete skeleton of a Mammuthus meridionalis, discovered in Campo Imperatore — an extraordinary paleontological treasure offering a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric environment.

A Future of Growth and Recognition

Despite the immense challenges it has faced, the National Museum of Abruzzo continues to evolve. Its ultimate goal is the return to its historic home within the Spanish Fortress — an ambitious project requiring time and resources but eagerly awaited by the community and art lovers alike. In the meantime, the MuNDA at the former Slaughterhouse remains a vibrant cultural hub, a place of research, preservation, and promotion of Abruzzo’s heritage.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Tancredi da Pentima, 67100 L’Aquila (AQ)
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday: closed
  • Tuesday–Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Tickets:
  • Full: €7.00
  • Reduced (ages 18–25): €2.00
• Contacts:
  • Phone: +39 0862 28420
  • Website: museonazionaledabruzzo.cultura.gov.it

Cover photo credits: Cats’ photos – licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0