The National Museum of the Paleolithic: A Journey to the Origins of Humankind in Europe

The National Museum of the Paleolithic of Isernia is a cultural institution of extraordinary importance — a place where history is not measured in centuries, but in hundreds of thousands of years. Located in Isernia, in the Molise region, the museum is closely connected to the discovery of the Isernia La Pineta archaeological site, one of the oldest and most significant Paleolithic sites in Europe.

The Discovery and the Archaeological Site of Isernia La Pineta

The story of the museum began in 1979, when, during the construction of a road, prehistoric animal remains and stone tools were accidentally unearthed. This discovery led to an extensive excavation campaign that revealed a vast archaeological deposit dating back roughly 600,000 years. The site — which can still be visited today — has yielded thousands of finds documenting the presence and activities of Lower Paleolithic human groups.

Archaeologists uncovered bones of large mammals such as bison, elephants, and rhinoceroses, as well as a large number of stone tools made from flint and limestone. The combination of these finds has allowed scholars to reconstruct a detailed picture of the lives of these early inhabitants — shedding light on their hunting techniques, dietary habits, and their remarkable ability to adapt to the environment. The Isernia La Pineta site thus represents a unique and exceptional testimony to the earliest traces of human presence in Europe.

The Collections and the Museum Pathway

The museum was created with the aim of preserving, promoting, and making this invaluable heritage accessible to the public. The exhibition path is designed as a true journey through time — from the geological formation of the area to reconstructions of daily life during the Paleolithic period.

Among the most striking exhibits is the reconstruction of an entire section of the archaeological site, where artifacts are displayed exactly as they were found, illustrating the butchering and processing activities carried out by early hominids. Visitors can also admire numerous stone tools that demonstrate different stages of manufacture and their various functions. Educational panels, life-size reconstructions of prehistoric animals, and multimedia displays enrich the visit, making it an engaging experience suitable for all ages.

Visitor Information

• Address: Viale La Pineta, Isernia (IS), a short distance from the city center.
• Contacts
  • Phone: +39 0865 290687
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening Hours: open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM – 2:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.
• Tickets:
  • Full price: €6.00
  • Reduced price: €2.00 (for European Union citizens aged 18–25)
  • Combined ticket: €5.00 — valid for both the National Museum of the Paleolithic and the Archaeological Museum of Santa Maria delle Monache.

The National Museum of the Paleolithic of Isernia is a unique place that offers an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on our most distant origins and to understand the incredible journey that led humankind to populate the European continent.

Cover photo credits: Thilo Parg, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0