Sources of European Culture/Primary Longobard root

The finds of the material culture of the Longobard people (kept in some European archaeological museums) and the written testimonies of the rare period documents (kept in the historical archives) as a whole constitute - alongside the artistic and monumental forms - the authentic sources from which it is possible to draw to raise the knowledge and sharing of the evolutionary process of the Longobard Culture, recognized by UNESCO (2011) as the "primary root of European Culture, later developed by the Carolingians".

The relevance of the recognition is highlighted in the development of research and analysis that aim to define the nature of today's European Culture, an essential identity value to be shared between the Peoples of Europe and especially between young Europeans. From this perspective, it is therefore of great importance to enhance the origins of European Culture together with the places that preserve its testimonies. This is the contribution that, for its part of historical competence, the "Longobard Ways across Europe" Route intended to provide, starting the progressive construction of the network of Museums and Historical Archives "Sources of European Culture/Primary Longobard root" in anticipation of joining with other "primary sources" of the Early Middle Ages.

GERMANY /STADE – SCHWEDENSPEICHER MUSEUM

It is the conventional hub of origin of the “Longobard Ways across Europe” Route, as it represents a large area of ​​archaeological finds attributed to the Longobard people in the territorial area of ​​Lower Elba. The finds kept in the Museum can be dated to a period of time between the 1st century BC and the 4th century AD. This latter period was the period in which the continuous presence of Longobard elements in the area who were not involved in the subsequent migratory phases was confirmed.

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AUSTRIA / WIEN - NATURHISTORISCHES MUSEUM

The Museum - among the most important and prestigious in Europe - preserves the testimonies of the most significant early medieval migratory flows (Huns, Avars and Longobards) recorded in Central-Eastern Europe. The "Longobard" section displays the finds from archaeological excavations carried out in the area of ​​Wien, in that of Maria-Ponsee (the largest necropolis discovered in Lower Austria) and in Hauskirchen (the place where the very rich tomb of a Longobard princess was found).

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ITALY /MONZA - MUSEO E TESORO DEL DUOMO MONUMENTO NAZIONALE

Thanks to the historical-religious legacy of Theodolinda, the first Longobard queen, the Museum is the cultural hub of the Longobard Route. The artefacts housed there testify to the beginning of the fundamental evolutionary phase of the Culture and religiosity of the Longobard people, favoured by the dialogue of Theodolinda with Pope St. Gregory the Great and by the contribution of the famous Irish monk St. Columbanus. Further prestige derives from the custody of the Iron Crown of the kings of Italy, an absolute symbol in which the suggestion of the relic is combined with the charm of power.

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ITALY /CIVIDALE D. FRIULI - MUSEO ARCHEOLOGICO NAZIONALE SITO-SERIALE WHL UNESCO

It is home to the largest and richest collection of Longobard artefacts from the period of the Kingdom, during which the Duchy of Friuli (the first established in Italy) was one of the main hubs of Longobard power. The Museum also houses the second largest collection in the world of Longobard gold coins (the first is in the British Museum in London). The current building stands on the remains of the patriarchal palace, once the residence of the Patriarchs of Aquileia, and is part of the complex which also includes the Cathedral. Both belong to:

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ITALY /SALERNO - MUSEO DIOCESANO “SAN MATTEO”

It is home to the largest and richest collection of Longobard artefacts from the period of the Kingdom, during which the Duchy of Friuli (the first established in Italy) was one of the main hubs of Longobard power. The Museum also houses the second largest collection in the world of Longobard gold coins (the first is in the British Museum in London). The current building stands on the remains of the patriarchal palace, once the residence of the Patriarchs of Aquileia, and is part of the complex which also includes the Cathedral. Both belong to:

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