The Memories of Falcone and Borsellino: Places That Tell the Story of the Fight Against the Mafia

In the very heart of Palermo’s judicial system, within the austere Palazzo di Giustizia, lies a place that is far more than a museum — it is a living memorial, a capsule of history that preserves the courage and legacy of two of Italy’s most heroic figures: Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.

Affectionately known as “Il Bunkerino”, the Falcone and Borsellino Museum is an intimate and powerful space dedicated not only to commemorating their sacrifice but also to educating future generations about justice, civic responsibility, and the ongoing fight for legality.

A Journey Through the Rooms of Courage

Inaugurated in 2016 on the initiative of the National Association of Magistrates, the museum is located on the first floor of the Palazzo di Giustizia. Rather than a traditional collection of artifacts, it is a faithful reconstruction of the fortified and protected offices where Falcone and Borsellino worked tirelessly between 1985 and 1987 to prepare the monumental Maxi Trial against the Sicilian Mafia, Cosa Nostra.

Stepping inside the “Bunkerino” means walking in their footsteps. Visitors can see the original furniture, the desks covered with files, typewriters, law books, and even personal items that still seem to carry their presence. Every object — from the brass nameplates to the stacks of documents — tells a story of commitment, resilience, and moral strength.

Visits are led by magistrates, lawyers, or historians, who bring to life not only the historical context but also the human and ethical dimension of these two men — their struggles, their sense of duty, and their unshakable belief in justice.

Memory as a Commitment to Justice

The Falcone and Borsellino Museum is much more than an exhibition; it is a center for education and civic engagement. Conferences, workshops, and guided visits for students are regularly organized here, all aimed at spreading a culture of legality and the values that guided the judges’ lives.

This space transforms memory into action — turning history into a lesson in citizenship. Visiting the “Bunkerino” means not only paying tribute to two national heroes but also renewing a personal commitment to justice and integrity, ensuring their example continues to inspire generations to come.

Visitor Information

📍 Address: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele Orlando, 1 – 90138 Palermo (inside the Palazzo di Giustizia)

How to Visit

The museum is not open to the public without reservation, as it is located within an active judicial institution.

Visits must be booked in advance, particularly for schools, universities, and organized groups.

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Phone: +39 091 605 5285

🏛️ Organizers: National Association of Magistrates, in collaboration with the Court of Appeal of Palermo.

It is recommended to book at least 15–20 days in advance, specifying the number of participants and the purpose of the visit.

Hours and Admission

• Opening hours: No fixed schedule; visits are arranged individually based on staff and guide availability.
• Admission: Generally free of charge, especially for schools and educational groups, as the initiative has a purely educational and commemorative purpose.

Visitor Guidelines

• Identification: A valid ID document is required to enter the courthouse.
• Security: Security checks (including metal detectors) are mandatory at the entrance.
• Punctuality: Visitors must arrive on time to respect the scheduled visit.

Visiting the Falcone and Borsellino Museum is a profoundly moving experience — a journey through the history of courage, justice, and moral integrity. It’s a place where memory becomes a living force, reminding us that the legacy of Falcone and Borsellino is not only written in books or court archives but engraved in the conscience of Italy.

Cover photo credits: Fabio Galeotti, Google Maps