The International Museum of the Bagpipe “Pasquale Vecchione”, unique in the world for its distinctiveness, is a treasure trove of musical and cultural tradition. Located within the historic Palazzo Mancini, the museum represents an outstanding example of architectural restoration that enhances the old heart of Scapoli, a village renowned for its reed-pipe tradition.
Spread over three floors, the museum houses an extensive collection of bagpipes from around the world, created in different eras, along with wind instruments of rare beauty and a rich collection of iconographic and literary documents. A key highlight of the exhibition is an ancient workshop dedicated to Scapoli’s historic bagpipe makers, who have passed down their unparalleled craftsmanship to new generations.
One of the museum’s most fascinating attractions is a permanent Neapolitan-style nativity scene, crafted by the master artisans of San Gregorio Armeno in Naples. The museum is easily accessible on foot from the town’s main square via the Cammino di Ronda, a scenic path along the perimeter of the Lombard fortification. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views over the Volturno Valley and the Mainarde Mountains.
More than just an exhibition space, the museum serves as a meeting point between art and folk culture, deeply rooted in the traditions of Scapoli’s pastoral heritage. Continuously enriched with new and valuable instruments from across the globe, the museum aims to revitalize the town’s economy through cultural and folkloric tourism.