Authorities are investigating the theft of valuable textile artifacts after thieves stole antique lace worth an estimated €200,000 from the Civic Museum of Memory and History in Isernia, southern Italy. The break-in, believed to have occurred overnight, targeted a collection that included 19th-century examples of the region’s renowned bobbin lacemaking tradition.
According to initial reports, the suspects entered the museum by forcing open its main door. The theft was discovered early in the morning when the museum’s caretaker noticed signs of forced entry and contacted police.
Officers from the Flying Squad and Forensic Police responded immediately, launching a full investigation. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses in Piazza Celestino V, where the museum is located, is now being reviewed.
Investigation and museum details
The thieves appeared to have focused only on the lace collection. War relics displayed in a separate section of the museum were left untouched.
The city of Isernia is internationally recognized for its artisanal bobbin lace, a centuries-old technique that involves weaving threads over a cushion using small wooden bobbins. Local artisans use a fine, ivory-colored thread unique to the region, adding further value to the stolen pieces.
The municipality’s tourism board traces the lace-making tradition back to the early 1400s. Historical documents show that Spanish nuns from the Benedictine convent of Santa Maria delle Monache introduced the skill to local students. The earliest known record of the convent’s lace production dates to 1503.
Cultural significance and historical background
Queen Joanna III of Aragon, who received Isernia as part of her dowry from King Ferrante of Naples, played a significant role in promoting the craft. She was known to admire the lace and even learned the technique from local women, helping to elevate its cultural status.
The stolen items are not only of financial value but are considered vital to the preservation of Isernia’s cultural heritage. Museum officials have not yet released a full inventory of the missing pieces, but they confirmed that several rare items showcasing the oldest bobbin techniques are among the stolen artifacts.
Investigators continue to collect forensic evidence and review digital footage in hopes of identifying those responsible. No arrests have been made as of Wednesday.
