museo storico dell'aeronautica militare

Goalhanger

Not widely advertised, and certainly not easily found, this museum is a must for the enthusiast with their own transport finding themselves in the Rome area. In the beautiful setting of an old seaplane base on the shores of Lago di Bracciano, the well laid out and impressively presented collection is a real delight.Here there are many types that I'm sure you'd struggle to see anywhere else in the world. It's free to enter, and so understated is it's outward appearance that I had to enquire with a guard and get him to lift the military-style barrier to assure me I was in the right place to enter the car park.Other attractions such as the castle at Bracciano and the quaint lakeside village of Anguillara are nearby, so the area makes for a perfect daytrip.

markmX7412QG

I've been to a number of aviation museums in America (the 2 Smithsonians, Planes of Fame in Chino, Pima in Tucson, several museums at former air force bases in California) and the RAF museum in Hendon, and this holds up well against them.The location is unusual, a former seaplane base on a pretty lake north of Rome. This was an easy detour on our journey from Rome airport to Tuscany. We arrived on a Wednesday afternoon and had the museum almost entirely to ourselves.There are 3 galleries: pre-war, WW 2, and post-war. Unfortunately the pre-war gallery was closed for renovation, but I could see the Macchi Castoldi MC.72 through the window. I guess I'll have to go back one day. The highlights for me in the WW 2 gallery were the SM.79, SM.82, MC.202 and MC.205. The post-war gallery includes many fine examples of both American- and Italian-built aircraft.Here's one recommendation for the museum: my wife and daughter humored me by not objecting to my including the museum on our 2-week Italian itinerary, and they both enjoyed it.

mjdkGlobetrotter

While it may not have the allure of the USAF museum at Wright-Patterson or the RAF museum in Hendon, the Italian AF museum is pretty neat. The first thing that struck me as odd was the fact that it was located by Lake Bracciano rather than at an Air Force base and interestingly there is no runway anywhere near it. Having said that the facilities are excellent and the surroundings are more beautiful than the other two aforementioned museums. The Museum features a whole array of vintage planes and they are displayed in a logical and chronological order. There are beautiful examples of Italian aircraft produced by FIAT and SIAI that one would probably not see anywhere else. Unfortunately, the first hangar was closed for restoration but it seemed to house WWI aircraft the second hangar housed WWII aircraft and the third hangar featured a post WWII to contemporary aircraft including the Starfighter and the Tornado. If you have a car and are interested in aircraft this is a worthwhile 30 minute trip to take.

cornish_frogboy

The museum is free, beautifully located and has over 60 aircraft, beautifully presented and many of which you will never see anywhere else in the world..a 1st world war heavy bomber, 4 x Schneider trophy aircraft and many 'last survivors' worldwide. Situated by a lovely lake, there is even plenty for the rest of the family to do, should they not share your enthusiasm for aviation.

MellowTravelers

Very interesting museum with insights into history. Right on Lake Bracciano, near Anguillara Sabazia. Visit the snack shop for great coffee and water for ridiculously low prices.

GregoryP304

Took my 14 yo son as we were staying in the area. I'd been to the air museum at Duxford England a fantastic place only a few months ago. This place stood up well in comparison with exhibit quality and environmental considerations although much smaller. Unfortunately still renovating two of 4 hangars so missed half but on a hot day we saw enough as it was still a little warm inside. I was impressed with the place and would recommend to anyone interested in this type of exhibits. My son enjoyed it a lot and it brought home to him the size and ferocity of the planes and their armaments. Friendly military personnel around. Beautiful location on the lake. A half day visit when fully open or a whole day if you are a real buff .

MeridianManchester

This museum is on the shore of Lago di Bracciano, presumable because it was a base in the war. It doesn't look much on arrival as you pass a couple of aircraft and a series of statues/monuments to various figures/events. However, you then enter a series of four enormous hangars (sadly two were closed for work when we visited) with aircraft from biplanes to WWII, including a few seaplanes. The museum is laid out well and all information is in Italian and English. There is a small shop and snackbar.

johnnyboy384

An excellent museum displaying many unique Italian aircraft inluding seaplanes and three participants from The Schneider Trophy days. The best collection in the world of WW2 Italian aircraft.The aircraft are all magnificently preserved. Museum is in a beautiful location by a lake north of Rome. Difficult to get to without a car, although I understand a train can be taken from Rome followed by a cab.

gbz2013

You really need to go there, and bring your family and friends.You will have the chance to learn more about Italian history, have a look at the wonderful Bracciano lake, and eat excellent food at many nearby trattorie.

KennDT

On arrival you'll find there's ample parking and you'll have a short walk to the museum itself. My initial impression was not so good since there are a couple of aircraft outdoors which looked very much the worse for wear. One of them in particular looked like it had moss or something similar growing on it! - check out the pics I've posted. So it was with trepidation that we entered the museum. However, as with many Italian attractions, the first impression was totally incorrect. Once inside the quality of presentation was superb. All the displays and aircraft were well kept, preserved and presented. I thoroughly enjoyed the visit which takes you from the beginnings of Italian aviation right up to the present. It was well worth the visit with the icing on the cake being that this venue is free. The only real low point is the cafeteria which is drab, a bit depressing and had a poor selection of items when we visited. All in all definitely worth visiting if you’re nearby, just plan to go somewhere else to eat!

MValenteRola

Working in aviation, I can't pretend I'm not moved by these things.After finding out that near our current town we had the chance to visit a great Museum with an excellent collection of aircraft from all ages, we decided to go for a little drive in one of these Autumn sundays.When we arrived, we were greeted by the very friendly military that watch over the gate and tell you where you can park the car. Then you walk into the entrance and let the amazement begin.I won't carry on for long as I came to Tripadvisor beforehand to find out about this museum, so my review is nothing short of what others have already said.It's worth it, no matter if you're travelling solo, in family, friends or with your other half. The collection of propellers, jets and choppers will have you entertained for a good hour or so, along with an impressive collection of bits and pieces and miniature planes.This is a museum for those that love aviation, but mostly it's somewhere that anyone should consider when travelling around the area....and yes, entrance is FREE. Apparently only closed on Mondays!

sbr1812

So funny..you chaps need to move with the times. I'm planning a trip to Rome with 'The husband'. After shopping & pasta I will sneak off leaving snoring to the museum. Can't wait... sbr

DuckTails2013

This is an excellent museum displaying well restored aircraft from early flight to present day. Guided tours in English are available for groups if pre-booked but most of the displays have good information boards in English as well as Italian. Good cafe and clean toilets. Staff friendly and helpful. It is an operating military base and they're plenty of personnel wandering around. It's well done and why it's free is beyond me but free it is!

DavidW351

This is a museum on the banks of Lake Bracciano, its a historical site where the first Italian Airships were constructed. The Museum is well laid out and has about 80 complete aircraft plus lots of scale models. Entry is free there is ample parking a bar and shop on site. Views across the lake are spectacular. Parking is on the left as you pass the gate house and then walk round to the far end of the complex to the entrance. Its not very well signed and at times I felt I may have been in a restricted area but this wasn't the case. The Italians do this sort of thing very well and this is a classic example, although I have to say the mannequins in costume are quite comic. Open every day except Public Holidays 9.30am to 5.30pm summer and 9.30am to 4.30pm winter

fabrizio_sanetti

In the wonderful natural park of Bracciano lake, 6 km from the Bracciano medioeval Castle, the ITAF Museum puts on display all the aircraft belonged to the italian aviation from the pioneers age 'til nowadays. It is composed of 4 big hangars showing, in chronological order, more than 60 aircraft. Everything is well explained (in italian and in english) and the most important thing is that the entry is for free!!! Along with the Bracciano Castle is a perfect stopover for the visit of the local beauties.