Rare pieces of art and antiquities at the Barone Museum in Baranello
Molise is a small region but rich in uniqueness.
Anyone who wants to experience an unusual place must not miss the incredible Museo Barone in Baranello.
A museum out of the ordinary, with a fascinating history behind it.
Baranello is a small town overlooking the Biferno valley, just a few kilometers from its springs.
Amid green hills and cultivated fields, Baranello is one of the first towns in the valley.
It was once home to aristocratic figures and wealthy families who lived in the elegant townhouses along the town’s main street, Via Santa Maria.
The British Museum… in miniature
As you walk, your eyes are drawn to the façade of the former Town Hall “in the style of Florentine Risorgimento palaces.”
This is how the architect who designed it, Giuseppe Barone, described it. He was a Baranello native and a fine collector from the second half of the 1800s.
This illustrious and eclectic figure donated “to his dear town” on October 10, 1897, his entire collection of antiquities.
A collection of priceless items, absolutely unique in the regional context.
It includes over 2000 artifacts, originating from Cuma and Pompeii, as well as the richest antique markets in Naples during the 19th century.
Barone worked actively and successfully in Naples as a skilled architect.
These objects, acquired throughout his life, were personally cataloged and arranged in a collection following the taxonomic style of the time.
Among the items are paintings, Greek and Italic ceramics, glassware, as well as bronzes, coroplastics, sacred utensils, and porcelains.
In short: there are many valuable and ancient objects on display, sourced from around the world.
The collection is still displayed today exactly as it was, in wooden display cases. Placed on the first floor of his building, they were designed by Barone himself.
But the Civic Museum – preserved intact since its donation – is not just a spectacular collection of antiquities.
It is also an incredible step back in time, within the walls that hosted illustrious visitors of the past.
Among them were Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I.
Tintilia Wine
Barone’s collection of antiquities was not the only attraction for young nobles and cultural figures.
At that time, Baranello was famous for its fields of Tintilia grapes, from which a red wine of excellent quality was produced.
After years of abandonment, its cultivation has only been revived in recent years by brave farmers.
One of them is Livio Palazzo. He is the only one who decided to invest in the cultivation of this ancient vineyard in the inland areas of Molise.
He is joined by his son Giuseppe in the cultivation of Tintilia grapes in Baranello.
In his cellar, visitors can embark on a discovery journey and tasting of the most authentic Molise wine.
Moreover, it’s only a few hundred meters from the museum.
Instagram and Shopping Tips
Instagram tips:
- The museum is an incredible “wunderkammer” where you can discover mysterious and little-known objects that have never been photographed before.
Shopping tips:
- Cantina Principe delle Baccanti – a winery that produces wines with company-grown grapes and organizes tasting tours.
- Arte Ceramica Di Teresa Di Tomaso – a pottery workshop creating and hand-painting artistic ceramics.
Where to stay and eat in Baranello
Where to stay:
- Albergo diffuso la Piana dei Mulini – just a few kilometers from the archaeological site, a hotel immersed in a lush park along the Biferno river.
- La dimora dei Sanniti – a modern apartment in Busso.
- Dimora Molise – design rooms in Vinchiaturo.
Where to eat and drink:
- Azienda Agrituristica “La Fonte” – traditional local cuisine.
- Ristorante La Piana dei Mulini – Italian and traditional cuisine.
Photo credits: Beniculturali.it
