Museo Storico Badogliano

The Museo Storico Badogliano (Badogliano Historical Museum) in Grazzano Badoglio presents the life and historical activities of Marshal of Italy Pietro Badoglio (1871-1956). Badoglio entered the Italian Army in 1892 as a Lieutenant and served in Italian Eritrea and Libya; a Lieutenant Colonel when Italy entered the First World War, he advanced to Vice Chief-of-Staff. Following the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, Badoglio took command of Italian forces and oversaw the use of chemical weapons against Ethiopians and the territory’s incorporation into the Italian Empire. As Chief-of-Staff of the Italian Army from 1925 to 1940 until his resignation following the Italian invasion of Greece, Badoglio was a key figure in Italian participation in the Second World War. Following the Allied invasion of Sicily and Mussolini’s dismissal and arrest, Badoglio was named Prime Minister of Italy by King Victor Emmanuel III and announced the Italian-Allied Armistice. He escaped south with the King and his government following the German advance into Italy, and continued to lead the Italian government until being replaced as Prime Minister in June 1944. He did in Grazzano Badoglio on November 1, 1956.

The museum’s permanent exhibit is divided into seven rooms, each representing a significant period in Badoglio’s life and career. Written records, newspapers, and photographs are joined by objects on display, including numerous military and dress uniforms and an Italian flag flown in Addis Ababa.