Wildlife Museum of the Sibillini Mountains (Montefortino)

History of the Wildlife Museum of the Sibillini Mountains (Museo faunistico dei Monti Sibillini)

The collections belong to a private individual, Ignazio Rossi Brunori, a keen hunter and collector. The museum was set up in the Palazzo Leopardi complex, which also houses the Pinacoteca (art gallery) and the Museo d'Arte sacra.

The palazzo was built for Desiderio Leopardi, of a cadet branch of the Recanati family. The Leopardi lived there until 1800; the building then passed to the Duranti and was finally donated to the town. It is made of brick with travertine inserts. The large travertine portal has, in the keystone of the arch, the face of a faun topped by the coat of arms.

What to see in the Wildlife Museum of the Sibillini Mountains

The exhibition presents Italian mammals and birds and some animals from abroad. There are also skulls and skeletons of anatomical interest. Educational panels explain the features of the species on display.

The collection includes roe deer, chamois, red deer, ibex and moose, but only part of it is on display. The route is completed by a collection of hunting rifles and carbines, family portraits, furnishings and curiosities. On the ground floor the Region has set up an educational section.

Visiting the Wildlife Museum of the Sibillini Mountains

After the earthquake Palazzo Leopardi remained closed for about a decade, and in 2025 it was reopened only on a special basis, for the Giornate FAI di Primavera (FAI Spring Days). To find out whether and when it will reopen, ask the Comune di Montefortino for information.

For information on accessibility and services for people with disabilities, contact the Comune before visiting.

Where the Wildlife Museum of the Sibillini Mountains is located

The museum is in Montefortino, in the Tenna river valley, in the inland area of the province of Fermo and inside the Sibillini National Park. The entrance is at Palazzo Leopardi, in the center of the village. Continuing along the main street leads to Piazza Re Umberto I.

Around the Wildlife Museum of the Sibillini Mountains in Montefortino

Piazza Re Umberto I is a natural viewpoint over the Sibillini. In the same palazzo, when accessible, visitors can see the Pinacoteca civica Fortunato Duranti in Montefortino and the Museo d'Arte sacra. For the park's services, see the page on the Case del Parco visitor centers.

From the village, hikes lead to the Gole dell'Infernaccio, the Hermitage of San Leonardo al Volubrio and the ruins of San Chiodo. To learn more about the local wildlife, Fiastra has the Chamois Museum. After the earthquake it was declared not open to the public because of minor damage to the building, and visits must be arranged with the visitor center. Other venues are listed on the page about museums in the Sibillini Mountains.