The Second World War was the last big war to shake the European and world community. It is no wonder that even 70 years later, people are still intrigued, fascinated, and interested in those times. It was a period of great horror. Yet, those were also the years that helped to form modern society. As always, the war has become the catalyst of great scientific discoveries and technological progress.
The face of the war was never the same after 1945. In terms of technologies and militarization, humanity has achieved new highs in record terms. Such countries as Soviet Russia, Germany, Italy, UK, and the US have all produced new weapons and equipment that are praised all over the world. So it’s easy to see why many people are still interested in seeing and learning more about that weaponry. Here’s the list of places where you can see the Second World War Italian weapons and equipment.
Museo Storico Italiano della Guerra, Rovereto
Where else to start your acquaintance with Italian military history if not in one of the best Italian war museums? Museo Storico Italiano della Guerra in Rovereto has everything you need to know about Italian war technology and equipment throughout the centuries. Of course, their exhibitions also include the WW2 era. How could it not? There, you will start your tour from the 19th century. The Risorgimento period, the Great War, and the Second World War exhibitions take up the most space in the museum. You will see the various types of weapons from the beginning to the end of WW2. You’ll also see the typical soldiers’ uniforms and equipment designed for different purposes and branches of the army.
Though, if you have a bit more time, do explore the rest of the museum and its unique collection of Italian weaponry from prehistoric times and the middle ages. Those are truly unique items that you will hardly find in other world museums.
Imperial War Museum, London
If you ever travel to London, you ought to visit the Imperial War Museum there. All history buffs know that this is one the best places to fully immerse into explorations of WW2 times. From the recreations of WW2 scenes and battlefields to one of the largest collections of letters and photographs, this museum will tell you everything you need to know about the Second World War. Even if your prior focus is only on the Italian military, you won’t leave disappointed. At the very least, you’ll get to see WW2 Italy through the eyes of British soldiers who served there at the time. Moreover, the museum has plenty of weapons, ammunition, and uniforms that belonged to all sides of the war, including Italy.
Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943, Catania
The Historical Museum of the Landing in Sicily 1943 is arguably one of the best WW2 museums in Italy, if not in the world. Immersive, well-structured, modern, and full of unique exhibits, it is the one place that will leave you speechless. Visitors can start their acquaintance with the museum with a brief introductory film about the invasion of Sicily. The film describes the invasion and sets the mood for your entire excursion. Further, visitors get to compare the view of the cities before and after the invasion or even sit in a recreated bomb shelter. Overall, such an introduction to history won’t leave you indifferent to what you get to see next.
Visitors will see rooms with exhibits from all WW2 parties, whether Italian, British, American, or otherwise. There will be weapons, ammunition, uniforms, everyday items, and large technologies such as Italian WW2 aircraft. So even if you didn’t know much about this region before you visited the Historical Museum of the Landing in Sicily, you would learn now. We guarantee you will leave the place with the hunger to learn more, wondering, “can I pay someone to do my homework on Sicily during the Second World War?”
Caen Memorial Museum
Last but not least, the Caen Memorial Museum in Normandy, France, is an absolute must-see for everyone interested in the WW2 period. The museum is considered to be the peace museum. Its main purpose is to educate and warn people about the dangers of military conflicts. Yet, this museum has one of the largest collections of artifacts from the Second World War. It’s one of those places where you’ll need a whole free day on your hands to walk around the entire thing.
The majority of exhibits aren’t just items you can look at, but pieces of history that you can learn from. The museum also offers immersive expenses, one of which is a room with a circular cinema. There you get to see real films from the WW2 battlefields and other scenes of that era.
