Piana delle Orme Historical Museum: an immersive journey through twentieth-century Italy

In the evocative countryside of the Agro Pontino, in Borgo Faiti, stands one of the most unique museums in Europe: the Piana delle Orme Historical Museum. Spanning over 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, this museum is far more than a collection of artifacts — it is a true storyteller, bringing history to life through an immersive, multisensory experience. Its mission is to recount the story of the twentieth century, with a special focus on two events that profoundly shaped both the region and Italy as a whole: the reclamation of the Pontine Marshes and the Second World War.

What to Discover: A Journey Through History and Daily Life

The museum is organized into several thematic pavilions, each dedicated to a specific aspect of history. This allows visitors to move through different eras and settings, for a truly comprehensive and engaging experience.

• The Reclamation of the Pontine Marshes: One of the museum’s most significant sections is dedicated to the monumental reclamation project that transformed the once marshy Pontine region into one of Italy’s most fertile agricultural areas. Here, visitors can admire the machinery, equipment, and transport vehicles used for the reclamation, while immersive reconstructions bring to life the daily struggles, hopes, and courage of the settlers who came from all over Italy to build new towns and start new lives.
• The Second World War: Another major area focuses on World War II. The pavilions house one of Europe’s largest collections of vintage military vehicles, including tanks, planes, and armored carriers, all perfectly restored. Realistic dioramas recreate key battle scenes, such as the Anzio Landing and the Gustav Line, offering visitors a vivid and emotional glimpse into the dramatic reality of war.
• Rural Life and Traditional Crafts: This section transports visitors back to the world of rural Italy, with faithful reconstructions of farmhouses, workshops, and stables. Displays of historic agricultural tools, tractors, and farm machinery show the evolution of rural life and the transition from an agrarian to an industrial economy.
• Vintage Toys: A delightful journey into nostalgia, this section showcases how children played throughout the twentieth century, offering a charming insight into the society, values, and customs of bygone days.

Useful Information for Visitors

• Address: Strada Migliara 43.5, No. 29 – Borgo Faiti, Latina (LT)
• Contacts:
  • Phone: +39 0773 258708
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening hours:
  • March to October: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 3:00 PM); Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
  • November to February: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (last entry 2:00 PM); Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
• Tickets:
  • Full: €13.00
  • Reduced (seniors 65+): €11.00
  • Junior (children aged 6–14): €9.50

The Piana delle Orme Historical Museum is not merely a place to observe history — it is a place to live it. Through its vivid reconstructions, authentic artifacts, and powerful storytelling, it transforms a visit into an unforgettable journey through the heart of twentieth-century Italy.

Cover photo credits: Giorgio Pietrocola, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0