Justice for witches: the Triora Witchcraft Museum

Triora - One of the most notable palaces in Triora is Palazzo Stella, built in the 13th century when Genoa dominated much of Liguria. This large building insists on four streets of the village, and is known for having hosted some notable local characters, such as the benefactress Teresa Stella. Today, however, the building is also known because it houses the Museum of Witchcraft, wanted in order to shed some historical clarity on the famous 'witch hunt'.

In fact, between the late Middle Ages and the beginning of the so-called 'Age of Enlightenment' about 110,000 trials were held against people who were accused of worshiping the devil. The courts were both secular and ecclesiastical, and in most cases the accused were innocent women believed to be witches. The four sections of the Museum show objects used in rituals, period books, videos that try to contextualize these events to bring the truth back to light. The exhibition is closed by the witches riding a broom hanging from the ceiling, not threatening at all.