Visit the Largest WWII Museum in the World – Piana delle Orme

An unparalleled open-air museum: tanks, dioramas, artifacts, and daily life from WWII and beyond.

Just 40 minutes from Anzio, nestled between Borgo Faiti and Borgo San Michele near the city of Latina, lies one of the most extraordinary and little-known historical treasures in Europe: Piana delle Orme, the largest WWII museum in the world.

This remarkable private collection covers an area of over 25,000 square meters and is set up as a vast open-air historical park, divided into multiple themed pavilions and exhibition areas. While its primary focus is on World War II, the collection extends to other fascinating aspects of Italian history and rural life, offering something for everyone — from military historians and veterans’ families to curious travelers and children.

What You Will See

WWII Dioramas and Exhibits

Immersive dioramas illustrate Italy’s entry into the war, the North African Campaign, the Allied landings at Anzio, and the Battle of Monte Cassino. You’ll walk through carefully reconstructed scenes that bring these historic moments to life, complete with original uniforms, weapons, and personal memorabilia.

Vehicles and Tanks

The museum houses a remarkable array of WWII vehicles — many of them authentic Allied tanks, jeeps, and artillery pieces left behind during the war and recovered from the Italian countryside.

One of the most extraordinary pieces is the Duplex Drive Sherman Tank, an amphibious tank designed for beach landings. This particular DD Sherman was recovered from the seabed off Salerno in 1998. Its preserved skeleton and propeller system demonstrate how the tank once floated ashore, dropped its flotation gear, and advanced inland. It is one of the few surviving examples in the world — and it’s here, in this unique museum.

Farming and Pontine History

The museum also explores local heritage, including a collection of over 300 vintage tractors and agricultural machines. There is an entire section dedicated to the drainage of the Pontine Marshes during the 1930s, a major feat of engineering and propaganda under Mussolini’s regime. Reconstructed scenes of daily life under Fascism help visitors understand the broader historical context in which the war unfolded.

Military Toys and Model Making

For younger visitors and enthusiasts, there is an extensive display of WWII-themed toys, model soldiers, and scale reconstructions. These exhibits not only provide a nostalgic look into the past but also engage the imagination and curiosity of new generations.

Why This Museum Matters

This museum is not just a collection — it is a living archive of memory, curated with passion and attention to detail. It offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to physically connect with the landscapes, machines, and personal stories of World War II. It is a highlight of our historical tours for those wishing to deepen their understanding of the Italian Campaign and the sacrifices made by so many.

Beyond the Museum: The Fifth Army’s Advance to Rome

After an in-depth visit to the museum, we can continue along the axis of the U.S. Fifth Army’s advance toward Rome, stopping on strategically important high ground that shaped the campaign. From these vantage points, we read the landscape like a map—tracing routes, rivers, ridgelines, and the overlapping fields of fire that determined success or failure on the road to the capital.

Suggested Itinerary Sequence (Flexible & Tailored)

• Day 1 – Monte Cassino Battlefields : Orientation to the Gustav Line, the Liri/Rapido valleys, and the multinational effort that broke the defensive belt.
• Day 2 – Piana delle Orme Museum: Immersive deep dive into the Italian Campaign, Anzio, and Cassino, with vehicles, dioramas, and local history that bring context to the terrain.
• Day 3 – Anzio & the Advance to Rome: Key sites of the Anzio beachhead followed by selected high-ground viewpoints along the Fifth Army’s route toward Rome, linking battlefield decisions to the ground you can still see today.

This flow creates a clear narrative arc — from the Gustav Line in the south, to the museum’s comprehensive exhibits, and finally to Anzio and the approach to Rome. Of course, every tour can be customized on the day to match your interests, research goals, fitness level, and the time you have available.

Plan Your Visit

This museum experience is included as a standard part of my Anzio and Cassino battlefield tours, but it can also be added to a custom day trip from Rome or Latina, especially for those interested in military history, education, or immersive experiences.

If you are planning a personalized itinerary or following in the footsteps of a family member who served in Italy, this is a stop you won’t want to miss.

Please, contact: Danila Bracaglia

email: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831

Step into history - Walk Among Heroes!