The Museum of Transhumance is the perfect location for a unique experience of history, emotion and taste. Wooden tools, ancient books and modern artworks reveal the story of a family that has been making cheese for centuries.
The Museum of Transhumance of the Caseificio Di Nucci was officially opened in 2008 with the idea of telling a family story and relating the history of a world that has almost completely disappeared: the world of the shepherds of Transhumance.
Transhumance (from the Latin words trans “across” and humus, “ground”) was a massive phenomenon that shaped the economy and society of the South of Italy. Twice a year, the shepherds set in the mountains of the southern regions of Italy, were forced to move their sheep and cattle in order to feed them. They would move from the mountains to the grazing plains of Apulia, the “heel of Italy”, where they would set in fall and in winter. At the beginning of spring, they would lead their animals home for summer. The Museum of Transhumance aims to give the visitors an insight on this ancient world of shepherds and animals through a collection that was declared “culturally relevant” in 2015 by the Local Authority for the Cultural Heritage of Molise. pictures, documents and wooden tools are the testimonials of an ancient phenomenon that shaped the economy and society of the South of Italy in general and of Molise in particular.
Wood, copper and iron were wisely transformed into tools that were transported and used by the shepherds to make the miracle possible: a liquid becoming solid. Yesterday, just like today.
Transhumance (from the Latin words trans “across” and humus, “ground”) was a massive phenomenon that shaped the economy and society of the South of Italy. Twice a year, the shepherds set in the mountains of the southern regions of Italy, were forced to move their sheep and cattle in order to feed them. They would move from the mountains to the grazing plains of Apulia, the “heel of Italy”, where they would set in fall and in winter. At the beginning of spring, they would lead their animals home for summer. The Museum of Transhumance aims to give the visitors an insight on this ancient world of shepherds and animals through a collection that was declared “culturally relevant” in 2015 by the Local Authority for the Cultural Heritage of Molise. pictures, documents and wooden tools are the testimonials of an ancient phenomenon that shaped the economy and society of the South of Italy in general and of Molise in particular.
Ancient and modern books
A copy of the De Re Rustica by the Roman author L.M. Colummella and the original copy of La Ragion Pastorale by the Agnonese lawyer Stefano Di Stefano, published in Naples in 1731, bear witness to the importance played by milk and cheese in the economy and society of ancient Italy.Ancient and modern tools
Together with books, documents and pictures, a section of ancient and modern tools produced by the shepherds of the Di Nucci family help the visitors imagine the cattle and sheep moving down the Tratturi, the grassy highways that made possible the path of millions of animals.Wood, copper and iron were wisely transformed into tools that were transported and used by the shepherds to make the miracle possible: a liquid becoming solid. Yesterday, just like today.
Colourful paintings
The poetic naïf paintings by the molisano artist Ugo Martino enrich the space and move the visitors with their delicate colors and fine stroke. Cows, shepherds, herbs and flowers show the beauty of the wild nature of Alto Molise and tell the story of the Di Nucci family.
Book a visit at museum
The Museum of Transhumance is always pleased to host cultural and musical events.
Tours are given from Monday to Saturday. Booking online recommended.
