Exhibition halls in Palazzo Mordini

The Museum of the Risorgimento in Castelfidardo was inaugurated in 1989 and it is one of the first examples of extended museum in Italy: as a matter of fact, it has connection with both social and everyday life of local community.

The museum is made up of the three complexes: the exhibition and didactic halls hosted by the historic Palazzo Ciriaco Mordini located in via G. Mazzini n. 5, the National Monument of Le Marche in honor of the Victorious Sons of Castelfidardo together with its park, and the areas of the Battle with the Ossuary of the fallen Sardinian, Piedmontese and Papal soldiers.

Exhibition halls

After a ten-year study, they were set up by the local branch of the Association “Italia Nostra”, with the contribution of the historian Massimo Coltrinari and the Municipality of Castelfidardo. They show the visitor the events of the memorable conflict between the Sardinian-Piedmontese army and the Papal one. They also provide a cross section of the local society during the Risorgimento. The didactic route is made up of descriptive panels showing the most important characters of the offensive in Umbria and Le Marche. They also highlight the military and social events which led to the memorial conflict of the 18th September 1860. Big geo-political maps describing the different phases of the Italian territories Union before and after the battle of Castelfidardo complete the didactic route.

Lots of panels, integrated by a detailed description of the conflict since 8.00 am to 2.00 pm, specifically refer to the Battle, central focus of the Museum. The numerous weapons, included hand to hand, were donated by collectors and picked up on the battlefield: they show the military technology of that age.

Among the numerous antiques: the ampoule of the pope Pio IX, the “Pro Petri Sede” medal, known as the medal of Castelfidardo, and the trumpet of the XXVI Battalion Bersaglieri Castelfidardo. The historic flag of this heroic battalion dominates the Hall of the Commander rebuilt inside the museum.

The collection is completed by glass showcases with the uniforms of the Piedmontese and papal soldiers, some miniature reconstructions of the battle, a wide exposition of documents, medals, pictures, photos and bronze statues. The current supervisor is Professor Daniele Diotallevi “directive council Deputation of Homeland History for Le Marche”.