Museo Storico della Resistenza di Sant'Anna di Stazzema
Museum in the Parco Nazionale della Pace on the Nazi-Fascist massacre of 12 August 1944 and on the Resistance, with testimonies, films and documents.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum is housed in the former elementary school building in Sant'Anna di Stazzema, near the church square, and was opened in autumn 1982 by the President of the Republic, Sandro Pertini. Under regional law 39/1991 it became the present Museo Storico della Resistenza; the current displays date from 2007 and were enriched with multimedia content in 2013.
The route recounts the events of 12 August 1944, when German units of the 16th SS Panzergrenadier Division killed more than 500 civilians, including around 130 children, and places them within the context of the Second World War. Films, interactive stations and testimonies from survivors provide further insight; the museum also holds historical documents and a library. On the façade, beside the plaque with the inscription by Calamandrei, is a sculptural reproduction of a detail of Picasso's “Guernica”.
The museum is the heart of the Parco Nazionale della Pace, established by Parliament with law 381/2000, and is part of a site that received the European Heritage Label in 2024. The visit includes the Col di Cava ossuary, which can be reached on foot along the Via Crucis.
Key themes
- Testimonies from survivors of the massacre of 12 August 1944
- Multimedia route with films and interactive stations
- Historical documents and library
- Col di Cava ossuary and the Via Crucis
- European Heritage Label since 2024
Permanent exhibition
- Percorso espositivo del Museo storico della Resistenza – Displays, films and interactive stations on the massacre of 12 August 1944, with survivors' testimonies and the context of the Second World War.
- Founded
- 1992
- Operated by
- Parco Nazionale della Pace di Sant'Anna di Stazzema
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission. The guided tour is free, with the option of leaving a voluntary donation at the entrance; educational workshops on booking are charged.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Buses run only on Saturdays on weekdays: from Pietrasanta (bus terminal) at 9:00 and 16:20, return from Sant'Anna at 11:30 and 16:50 (VaiBus timetable published on the museum's website; information from CTT Nord).
Satellite navigation is not recommended. The access road is narrow: coaches longer than 10 metres cannot reach the village. On foot you can reach it from Valdicastello or Farnocchia via CAI footpath no. 4.
Get directionsAmenities & 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
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The guided tour covers the events of 12 August 1944, the museum rooms, memorial sites, a film and the Col di Cava ossuary (15 minutes' walk). On request a survivor may take part. Groups must agree on a date by phone; bookings can also be made via the WikiMuseo portal. |
