Among the unspoiled landscapes of Filignano, in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and close to the majestic Mainarde Mountains, lies the hamlet of Cerasuolo, home to a small but precious treasure chest of historical memory: the Combat Road Museum.. Inaugurated in 2016 thanks to the efforts of the association of the same name, this museum was created to tell the story and preserve the traces left by World War II along the Gustav Line, which crossed this very area.
The territory between the Volturno Valley and the surrounding mountains was the scene of intense fighting between Allied and German forces. Members of the Combat Road association – Gino Di Sandro, Loris Di Meo, Marco Bruno, Alessandro Autenzio, Matteo Campopiano and Danilo Neri – decided to turn their passion for history into a collective work of preservation and dissemination. The goal is to make known, especially to younger people, the dramatic wartime events that marked this part of Molise, often forgotten by the great history textbooks.
Inside the museum are original artifacts, period documents, military uniforms, equipment and photographs carefully cataloged and arranged. Each object on display tells a story, each display case is a fragment of life recovered and restored to collective memory. Visiting the museum is free of charge and is an immersive and exciting experience, even for those who are not particularly passionate about military history.
In addition to museum displays, the association is also dedicated to the production of historical documentaries and an activity of great human value: the recovery and return of military dog tags to the families of soldiers who had lost them in battle. This is a symbolic but very powerful gesture that rewires the threads of family and historical memory.
The Combat Road Museum is not just an exhibition space, but a true cultural garrison born from below, animated by the passion and dedication of young volunteers who believe in the value of remembrance. Visiting this space means coming into direct contact with the history of the area and discovering how, even in small towns, the deep roots of our identity are preserved.