Zampogne and Ciaramelle: Traditional Handcrafted Musical Instruments

Zampogne and ciaramelle are among the most fascinating traditional musical instruments of Italy’s folk heritage. Entirely handmade using ancient techniques, these wind instruments are deeply connected to the pastoral culture of the central and southern Apennines. The small village of Scapoli, in the province of Isernia, is universally recognized as the “capital” of the zampogna, a symbolic place where this tradition continues to live and evolve.
The zampogna is a bagpipe-like instrument, traditionally made from goat or sheep skin, wood, and reeds, while the ciaramella is a double-reed instrument that often accompanies the zampogna during performances. Each instrument is the result of meticulous craftsmanship: from the selection of materials to wood turning, assembly, and final tuning. Every artisan leaves a personal mark, making each zampogna unique both aesthetically and sonically.
Scapoli is home to the International Zampogna Museum, a space dedicated to preserving and promoting instruments from different regions of Italy and around the world. The museum tells the story, evolution, and diversity of zampogne, offering visitors a fascinating journey through different musical cultures. Alongside the museum, the village is famous for the International Zampogna Festival, an annual event that attracts musicians, craftsmen, and enthusiasts from many countries.
Thanks to these initiatives, Scapoli has become a key reference point for the protection and dissemination of traditional music. Zampogne and ciaramelle are not merely musical instruments, but living expressions of identity, memory, and community, capable of telling ancient stories through sounds that still inspire and unite people today.