Museo del Sodalizio dei Facchini di Santa Rosa Museo
About This Museum
Tucked away on the cobbled Via S. Pellegrino in Viterbo's medieval heart, this small museum pulses with the spirit of a singular local tradition. It’s not a silent hall of artifacts but a vibrant tribute to the 'Facchini'—the devoted men who have carried the 30-meter-tall, five-ton machine of Santa Rosa through these very streets for centuries. You can almost hear the echoes of the bustling crowds and feel the strain in the worn leather harnesses on display. This is a place that captures the raw, living faith and sheer physical endurance that defines Viterbo’s most famous night.
Collection Highlights
The star of the show is often a detailed scale model of one of the elaborate 'macchine' carried in the procession. Alongside it, you'll find historic photographs capturing moments of strain and triumph, ceremonial uniforms, and the personal tools and harnesses used by the bearers themselves.
Visitor Information
It's a compact museum, so you won't need more than an hour. Given its niche focus, it's best to check opening times locally as they can be seasonal; popping by in the afternoon is usually a safe bet.
Architecture & Building
Housed within a traditional stone building that blends seamlessly into Viterbo's historic quarter, its unassuming exterior gives little hint of the passionate history preserved inside.
Contact & Location
Address: Via San Pellegrino, San Pellegrino, Viterbo, Lazio, 01100, Italia
Phone: +39 380 435 6913
Website: Visit Website
