Imagine being a fly on the wall back in 1904. It was then that the Museo del Bersagliere first opened its doors. King Vittorio Emanuele III himself inaugurated it. This special museum celebrates the Bersaglieri. They are a renowned branch of the Italian army.
The Museo del Bersagliere started with Edoardo Testafochi. He was the Inspector of the Bersaglieri. He started collecting mementos. General Bruti, his successor, continued this work. The collection grew until 1895. That’s when the Inspectorate was shut down.
But the story doesn’t end there. Colonel Butturini took over from 1902 to 1907. He organized the items into a formal entity. This laid the groundwork for the museum we know today.
Originally, the Museo del Bersagliere was in the “La Marmora” barracks. This was in Trastevere. It gained official recognition in 1909. A significant honor came its way. The museum was entrusted with safeguarding collective medals. These medals recognized the bravery of Bersaglieri units.
Over time, the Museo del Bersagliere expanded. It incorporated items from the Bersaglieri Mutual Aid Society. This society later became the National Weapon Association in 1925.
A key moment occurred in 1931. General Martinengo di Villagana had a vision. He moved the museum to Porta Pia. The City of Rome provided the space. The Museo del Bersagliere was inaugurated here on September 18 1932. This coincided with the unveiling of the Bersagliere monument. The monument stands in the piazza outside.
As you pass through the grand arch of Porta Pia you enter the museum’s courtyard. Bronze busts of the Corps’ most famous figures stand here. You will also see a monument to Enrico Toti. He was a Bersagliere and a volunteer.
Inside the Museo del Bersagliere you will see artifacts. These displays trace the Corps’ history and evolution. They follow the Bersaglieri’s involvement in key events. On the ground floor is the La Marmora room. Here, under the founder’s bust are two rifles. Alessandro La Marmora designed these himself.
The Hall of Honor displays precious items. Among them is La Marmora’s original proposal. This handwritten document requested the formation of the Corps from King Carlo Alberto.
The ground floor concludes with the Shrine. It is dedicated to over one hundred thousand fallen soldiers. At its center is the saber La Marmora wielded. He used it on April 8 1848 in Goito. Portraits and displays of collective medals line the walls.
Upstairs, the Museo del Bersagliere showcases items. These relate to the Risorgimento campaigns from 1848 to 1866. Uniforms weapons and personal mementos tell the story. There are also relics from the suppression of banditry. This took place in southern provinces after 1860.
The upper floor focuses on colonial campaigns. These span from the first landing in Massaua in 1885 to the conquest of East Africa in 1936. Another floor is dedicated to World War I.
Finally, the ground floor is dedicated to World War II. Here are relics from the theaters where the Bersaglieri fought.
The Museo del Bersagliere also has a library and historical archive. These hold rare books pamphlets and original documents. They preserve the spirit of the Bersaglieri. They also show their training and early operations.
Visiting the Museo del Bersagliere is an immersive experience. It shows the valor and sacrifice of the Bersaglieri. It ensures that their legacy lives on. It is open Monday to Friday for visits.