Museo Storico delle Aviotruppe: The Italian Paratrooper Museum

The Museo Storico delle Aviotruppe - Italian Paratrooper Museum, Pisa

The Museo Storico delle Aviotruppe, or the Historical Museum of Paratroopers, chronicles the history and achievements of Italy’s airborne forces, one of the pioneers of military parachuting.

Founded in 1968, the museum gradually expanded with donations from veterans and the Italian Army before gaining official recognition in October 1971. In 2002, with the support of the commanders of the Folgore Brigade and the National Parachute Association of Italy, the museum was relocated to its current site at Gamerra Barracks in Pisa, adjacent to the Italian Army’s Parachute Training Centre (CAPAR).

A Century of Airborne History

Italy’s military parachuting history dates back to World War I. In 1918, Alessandro Tandura, an officer in the 10th Arditi Regiment, became one of the earliest paratroopers when he jumped from a Savoia-Pomilio SP.4 aircraft, for an intelligence gathering mission over Vittorio Veneto. Today, the museum spans over 800 square meters and features 15 exhibition rooms housing approximately 3,000 artifacts that trace the evolution of Italy’s airborne forces from their inception to modern-day missions.

*Libyan paratroopers and their Italian instructors, circa 1939.*

The Exhibits

Early Years and Parachuting Schools

The first exhibition rooms highlight the formative years of Italian parachuting, focusing on the establishment of early parachuting schools. The museum showcases documents from Italy’s first parachute training school, founded in Castel Benito (Tripoli) in 1938, and the subsequent opening of the school in Tarquinia in 1939 at the “Sostegni” airport. These schools trained all the battalions of the Folgore Division and part of the Nembo Division.

Propaganda poster of the "Salvator" parachute produced by the Avorio company, designed and tested in 1926 by the parachuting pioneer Captain Prospero Freri — Propaganda poster of the “Salvator” parachute produced by the Avorio company, designed and tested in 1926 by the parachuting pioneer Captain Prospero Freri

A machine gunner from the corps of engineers wearing a leather balloonist helmet. Produced by the company Fumagalli of Milan. Circa 1918

Model Rold 1918 pilot helmet used by parachuting pioneer Alfredo Ereno on the occasion of his 'world record' free fall jump opening his parachute at a height of 87m at Ponte S. Pietro (BG) in 1923. — Model Rold 1918 pilot helmet used by parachuting pioneer Alfredo Ereno on the occasion of his ‘world record’ free fall jump opening his parachute at a height of 87m at Ponte S. Pietro (BG) in 1923.

Oriental style medallion depicting a Libyan paratrooper of the "Fanti Dell 'Aria'" and distributed to them as a memento of belonging to the Battaglione-Rinvenuto A Tripoli — Oriental style medallion depicting a Libyan paratrooper of the “Fanti Dell ‘Aria'” and distributed to them as a memento of belonging to the Battaglione-Rinvenuto A Tripoli

*Parachute instructor and uniform insignia detail from the Libyan Parachute School, at Castel Benito 1938.*

*Parachutist wing of Lt Colonel Giuseppe Aloi of the 1st Libyan Parachute Battalion*

Parachutist qualification awarded in 1939 to Italian parachutists who graduated from the Libyan Parachute School of Castel Benito and subsequently to graduates of the Parachute School at Tarquinia Air Base until 1941.

Various badges belonging to Mario Galvani formerly of the Bersaglierie and an instructor of the 1st Parachute Course at the Taquinia Parachute School. From the end of December in 1942 he was an instructor at the Viterbo Parachute School.

Paurachute Instructor's uniform of Colonel Vittorio Bonetti, National Parachute School, Tarquinia 1940 — Paurachute Instructor’s uniform of Colonel Vittorio Bonetti, National Parachute School, Tarquinia 1940

1st Battalion Royal Carabinieri Paratroopers. Eluet El Asel - Cyrenaica. December 1941 — 1st Battalion Royal Carabinieri Paratroopers. Eluet El Asel – Cyrenaica. December 1941

Insignia detail on the 1942 model colonial jacket belonging to Sergeant Armando Perna

World War II and the Role of Italian Paratroopers

Several rooms are dedicated to the paratroopers of World War II, showcasing artifacts and uniforms from key battles. The Battle of El Alamein, where the Folgore Division earned its legendary reputation, is well represented, along with exhibits from the Tunisia campaign.

*Tropical Model 1942 parachutist’s jacket belonging to an Italian paratrooper veteran of the North African Campaign.*

Model 1942 tropical jacket and insignia detail from the uniform of Lieutenant Ilio Fonocchi of the 15th Company of the 5th Battalion, 186th Regiment

*Model 1942 jacket of Major Edoardo Sala, commander of the 1st Paratrooper Regiment “Folgore” of the Republican National Air Force.*

Italian paratrooper's sweetheart locket / trench art made from aluminium and perspex. — Italian paratrooper’s sweetheart locket / trench art made from aluminium and perspex.

Italian Socialist Republic (RSI) Air Force Parachutist Badge.

1943 – 1945 Italian Liberation Armed Forces

The museum also highlights the formation of the Nembo Division after the Folgore’s destruction and the role of Italian paratroopers in the Italian Liberation Campaign from 1943 to 1945. These displays include numerous donations from veterans of the famed 1st Reconnaissance Squadron “F”, also known as “F” (Folgore) Squadron, Nembo Parachute Division and Folgore Combat Group.

In October 1943, Captain Carlo Francesco Gay, commander of the 185th Nembo Regiment’s 9th Company, 3rd Parachute Battalion, made contact with the 1st Canadian Infantry Division and placed his unit at the disposition of the Allies. The British XIII Corps recognised the potential of these Italian parachutists and the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron “Folgore” was born.

WW2 'Leaping Gazelle" Shoulder patch of the British XIII Corps. — WW2 ‘Leaping Gazelle” Shoulder patch of the British XIII Corps.

Badge of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron "F", more commonly referred to as "F" Squadron. — Badge of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron “F”, more commonly referred to as “F” Squadron.

*“F” Squadron insignia donated by the unit’s founder, Carlo Francesco Gay*.

F Squadron conducted reconnaissance and special operations across key battles, including the Maiella Mountains, Monte Cassino, Florence, and the final airborne assault during Operation Herring in April 1945. Despite heavy losses, including the execution of two founding members, the squadron became one of Italy’s most decorated units. For insignia collectors, these rooms are a treasure trove of rare and often unique locally made insignia representing both the Italian Socialist Republic (R.S.I.) and post 1943 Italian Liberation Army.

Squadron "F" badges donated by the Commanding Officer of the unit, Gen. Francesco Gay — Squadron “F” badges donated by the Commanding Officer of the unit, Gen. Francesco Gay

1945. Poggio Rusco (Maniova). Operation Herring 1. Lieutenant of "F" Squadron wearing British equipment. — 1945. Poggio Rusco (Maniova). Operation Herring 1. Lieutenant of “F” Squadron wearing British equipment.

British battledress jacket worn by an Italian paratrooper of 1st Reconnaissance Squadron “F” featuring a combination of Italian paratrooper collar and qualification insignia along with a British styled shoulder title.

'F' Squadron Identity card, shoulder title and British XIII Corps insignia belonging to Nicolo Nastasi — ‘F’ Squadron Identity card, shoulder title and British XIII Corps insignia belonging to Nicolo Nastasi

Epaullete featuring a RSI parachutist badge below the insignia of the Folgore Combat Group. The Folgore Combat Group insignia was designed to identify Italian Liberation Armed Forces soldiers who were often wearing the same uniforms and insignia as those still fighting on the Axis side.

Italian Liberation Armed Forces uniform detail featuring a locally made British parachutist wing and sleeve badge of the Folgore Combat Group.

Locally made British parachutist wing and in the background, the identifying insignia of the Folgore Combat Group.

Post-War Evolution

The museum continues with exhibits detailing the post-war development of Italian airborne units. Through a combination of uniforms, documents, equipment, models, and photographs, visitors can trace the evolution of the Folgore Brigade and other Italian airborne units. A special section is dedicated to the Meloria crash of 1971, in which a British C-130 transport plane crashed, claiming the lives of 46 Italian paratroopers and seven British crew members.

*Collar insignia of the reconstituted “Folgore” Mechanized Division (15 October 1945). The unit, heir to the “Folgore” Combat Group, was disbanded on 12 October 1986.*

*Corps of Police Guards Special Mobile Paratroopers Unit (1949-1952)*

Grey-green beret delivered on 3.12.1960 to Colonel Carlo Mautino, Commander of the Military Parachute Centre, (C.M.P.) by the Minister of Defence Giulio Andeotti and replacing the khaki beret from that date.

One of the darkest days in Italian military parachuting history occurred on November 9, 1971 when a Royal Air Force Hercules crashed in Meloria, a few kilometers from Livorno. All six RAF crewmen and 46 paratroopers of the Folgore Brigade died in the crash

Post War Operations and Activities

The final sections of the museum focus on Italy’s modern airborne operations. These include external missions undertaken by the Folgore Brigade since 1982 and scientific expeditions to Antarctica in collaboration with ENEA. There are also exhibits on sports parachuting and advanced training activities.

Display depicting a paratrooper of the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a peacekeeping operation following the Yugoslav Wars. The operation ran from 1996 until 2004.

Italian paratrooper, Kabul, Afghanistan 2002.

*“Operazione Antica Babilonia”, Iraq 15 July 2003 – 1 December 2006.*

Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza (NOCS) parachutist. NOCS which translates as the Central Security Task Group is the police tactical response and counter-terrorism unit of the Italian State Police. It operates under the command of the Direzione Centrale della Polizia di Prevenzione (English: Central Directorate for the Anti-Terrorism Police).

A Must-Visit for Military History Enthusiasts

For those interested in military parachuting or special operations history, the Museo Storico delle Aviotruppe is an exceptional destination. Its outstanding collection of rare artifacts, curated through the contributions of veterans and support from the Italian Army, makes it a treasure trove for historians and militaria collectors alike.

Conveniently located just a 20-minute walk from the Tower of Pisa, the museum offers a fascinating journey through Italy’s airborne legacy. If you’re in Pisa, dedicating a few hours to this remarkable museum is well worth it.

Visitor Information

Museo Storico delle Aviotruppe
Caserma Gamerra
Via di Gello, 138
56123 Pisa, PI
9-13 (on reservation)

Contact
Phone: +39 335 188 7186 or 050 564 509 (ext 0372)
Email: museocapar@cepara.esercito.difesa.it

https://www.esercito.difesa.it/storia/musei/Museo-Storico-delle-Aviotruppe

Opening times
Tue-Sat: 09.30-12.30 and 1400-1700
Sundays (by appointment): 0900 – 1300
Closed: 1 & 6 January, Easter Sunday & Monday, 1 May, 10 – 20 August 1 November, 8, 25 & 26 December.

More Of Interest

Italian Paratroopers at El Alamein October – November 1942

During the Second Battle of El Alamein in 1942, the Italian paratroopers of the 185th Paratrooper Division “Folgore” played a significant role in the defence of the Axis lines against the British Eighth Army.

The “Folgore” Division, composed largely of highly trained and motivated volunteers, had originally been intended for operations in Malta but was redirected to North Africa. At El Alamein, they were positioned on the southern sector of the Axis line, where they faced intense artillery barrages and armoured assaults.

Despite being poorly equipped compared to Allied forces—especially in terms of anti-tank weapons—the Folgore paratroopers held their ground repelling constant attacks by Commonwealth troops, including armoured thrusts by tanks of the 7^th Armoured Division.

Finally, on November 6^th, when the last organized group commanded by Colonel Camosso and Major Zanninovich, surrounded by British tanks, finished its ammunition reserves they were forced to surrender. From an initial strength of 4500 men, only 306 paratroopers were still alive.

Their resilience earned them the respect of both Axis and Allied commanders. British General Montgomery later praised the Folgore for their bravery and combat effectiveness.

The stand of the Folgore at El Alamein became a symbol of valour in Italian military history, remembered for their courage under fire and refusal to yield easily despite overwhelming odds.

*‘Folgore at El Alamein’ Painting by David Pentland*

At the beginning of WW2, Carlo Murelli was drafted into the army and sent to Sicily for training in preparation of a second wave of attacks on Greece. But the German intervention made this operation unnecessary. So, he joined the newly formed Folgore Division and was sent to Libya. The battle of El Alamein was about to start. He tells his story in the three interviews below