Historical Museum of the “Sassari” Brigade: The Story of a Sardinian Symbol

The Historical Museum of the “Sassari” Brigade is a unique institution — a true temple of memory dedicated to one of Italy’s most renowned and valiant military units. Located in Sassari, the museum celebrates the heroism, sacrifice, and identity of an entire people, serving as a point of reference not only for military history enthusiasts but for all Sardinians.

The Story of a Legendary Brigade: The “Dimonios”

The Sassari Brigade was founded on March 1, 1915, at the dawn of World War I, and was composed almost entirely of Sardinian soldiers, mainly from the provinces of Sassari and Cagliari. This unique composition gave the unit a strong identity and a deep sense of brotherhood that translated into extraordinary courage and endurance on the battlefield.

The soldiers of the Sassari Brigade distinguished themselves heroically in the fierce battles of the front, particularly on the Carso, where their resistance in the “Trincea delle Frasche” became legendary. They were the only Italian brigade to receive two Gold Medals of Military Valor, and their fame spread throughout the country. Their nickname, “Dimonios” (meaning “devils” in Sardinian), perfectly captures their fierce fighting spirit and indomitable strength.

The Collections: A Tribute to Heroism and Memory

The museum’s exhibition offers a complete immersion into the history of the Brigade, documenting its journey through a rich collection of artifacts that tell stories of life, sacrifice, and courage.

• Relics and Uniforms: the museum displays original uniforms, equipment, weapons, and decorations that illustrate the soldiers’ lives both at the front and behind the lines. Among the most significant items are medals of valor, honors, and personal belongings such as letters from the front and diaries that bear witness to the human experience and sacrifice of the Sardinian infantrymen.
• Weapons and Equipment: a section is devoted to the weaponry and military gear of the time—rifles, grenades, helmets, and bayonets—offering insight into the wartime technology of World War I and the harsh conditions faced by the soldiers.
• Documents and Photographs: an extensive section includes historical documents, war diaries, maps of the fronts, and official communications. The period photographs are especially moving, capturing the faces and daily lives of the soldiers and restoring a deeply human dimension to their story.
• The Bond with Sardinia: the museum emphasizes the strong connection between the Brigade and its homeland. Many Sardinian songs and traditions were kept alive at the front, and the Sardinian language was often the only means of communication among the troops. This profound sense of belonging helped to strengthen the Brigade’s unity and identity.

Visitor Information

• Address: Viale San Francesco, 15, Sassari (SS)
• Contacts
  • Phone: +39 079 20851
• Opening Hours: closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Open on other days from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Tickets: free admission — a gesture reflecting the importance of this institution in preserving historical memory.

The Historical Museum of the “Sassari” Brigade is a place of immense historical and emotional value. Visiting it is not only a way to honor the memory of the Sardinian soldiers but also an opportunity to understand the deep connection between military history and the identity of an entire people.

Cover photo credits: Benoît Prieur, licensed under CC0