Museo della Gente Senza Storia

About the museum

The Museo della Gente Senza Storia (MuGeSS) is the civic museum of Altavilla Irpina, in the province of Avellino. Its name refers to the idea of telling the story of ordinary people, who rarely find a place in official narratives, through the objects, trades and traditions of the local communities.

According to the available listings, the museum occupies the crypt of the Collegiata dell'Assunta and is laid out in four rooms. The first is devoted to archaeology, with finds from the area that document human presence from prehistory to the late Roman period. The second holds clothing and textiles from the first half of the 19th century, recovered from the cemetery of the mother church and restored on site, including garments for adults and children.

The third room displays stone artefacts from the medieval and Renaissance periods, while the fourth houses the liturgical vestments worn by the clergy of Altavilla between the 17th and 18th centuries. In the entrance hall a permanent display documents the sulphur mines of the area, with a focus on industrial archaeology. The museum offers guided tours, workshops and activities for schools and families.

Highlights

• Archaeology room with finds from prehistory to the late Roman period
• 19th-century clothing and textiles recovered from the cemetery of the mother church
• Medieval and Renaissance stone artefacts
• Liturgical vestments of the local clergy (17th–18th century)
• Documentary display on the sulphur mines of Altavilla Irpina

Permanent exhibition

• Collezione permanente – Four rooms with archaeological finds, 19th-century folk costumes, medieval stone artefacts and liturgical vestments; in the entrance hall, a display on the sulphur mines.

Operated by

Comune di Altavilla Irpina

Visitors per year

approx. 1,000

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the municipality’s page, the site is accessible to people with disabilities; please contact the museum for further information.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Workshops and educational activities for schools and families are offered.

Getting there & parking

By car, take the A16 Napoli–Canosa motorway, leave at the Avellino Ovest exit and then follow the SS 88 towards Altavilla Irpina.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit