Historic brick building with a pointed arch and an illuminated loggia, at night, in a square.
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Museo della Stampa. The First Edition of the Divine Comedy

Museo della Stampa of Foligno: where “paper sings”

In Foligno, an unmissable stop is the Museo della Stampa (Printing Museum), located in the charming Palazzo Orfini. This museum offers an intriguing glimpse into the history of paper production and publishing in Foligno, whose roots trace back to the 15th century. Stepping into its halls—once home to one of Italy’s earliest printing houses—means immersing yourself in centuries of history.

The entrance to the museum is through a beautiful Renaissance portal on Via Pertichetti, topped by the inscription "Laborandum Ut Quiescas" (One must toil in order to rest). This phrase, rich in meaning, reflects the spirit of an era marked by innovation, discoveries, and new trades—including the art of printing.

The origins of Foligno’s publishing fortune

The history of printing in Foligno is the result of a fortunate combination of factors. As early as the 13th century, the Menotre Valley was renowned for its numerous paper mills, which provided the raw material for paper production. The real breakthrough, however, came around 1463, when a group of German craftsmen, led by cleric Johannes Numeister, arrived in the city. Numeister, trained at Gutenberg’s school in Mainz, brought with him revolutionary movable type printing techniques.

This printing revolution was supported by two visionary local entrepreneurs: brothers Mariotto and Emiliano Orfini, members of a wealthy family of papal mint masters. Emiliano was also a skilled engraver and medallist. The brothers decided to invest in Numeister’s talent, opening a printing house in their family palace in 1470—the sixth printing press established in Italy at the time.

Museum hall with display cases, explanatory panels along the walls, and fragmented frescoes in the upper part.

Hall of Museo della Stampa

Museum hall with display cases, informational panels, a central red structure, and an exposed wooden beam ceiling.

Hall of Museo della Stampa

Ancient manuscript of the Divine Comedy opened, featuring a decorated initial and golden ornamental details.

Manuscript of the Divine Comedy

Page from the first edition of the Divine Comedy displayed in a case, with an explanatory caption and an intricately carved wooden frame.

Page from the first edition of the Divine Comedy

Ancient wooden printing press displayed in a room with stone walls.

15th-century printing press

The first edition of the Divine Comedy

It was right here, on April 11, 1472, that the first printed edition of the Divine Comedy was produced. This groundbreaking work was brought to life by Numeister, funded by Evangelista Angelini of Trevi, and with the collaboration of Emiliano Orfini. Today, at the museum, visitors can admire an original page from this edition—the only one available—displaying a terzina from the 11th Canto of Paradise, dedicated to Saint Francis and the description of the Umbrian landscape.

What to see at Museo della Stampa

The museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of paper and printing:

Ground Floor: features a section dedicated to Foligno’s paper production, including a reconstruction of a 15th-century printing press.

Third Floor, Incunabula Room: in addition to the precious Divine Comedy page, this room showcases 15th-century editions from the Orfini-Numeister printing press.

Sala dei Lunari (Room of the Almanacs): a collection of almanacs and calendars, including the famous Barbanera, first published in 1700 and still popular throughout Italy today.

Loggia dei Trinci: this beautifully frescoed loggia hosts a section dedicated to the printers active in Foligno between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Interesting facts

  • The Numeister and Orfini printing house was not just a production center but also a hub for artists and intellectuals of the time.
  • TheBarbanera, with its forecasts and advice, has become a symbol of Italian popular culture, earning a place in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

Information

Museo della Stampa – Foligno, Piazza della Repubblica, entrance from Via Pertichetti No. 6, phone: +39 0742 330584

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