Janua - museo delle streghe, Witchcraft museum in Palazzo Paolo V, Benevento, Italy
Janua is a museum in Benevento dedicated to witchcraft history and folklore in the Sannio region. It houses exhibitions with historical documents, artifacts, and multimedia displays that explore local magical traditions and healing practices.
During the Inquisition in the 15th century, local testimony documented beliefs about where witches were thought to gather for secret meetings. These records form the foundation for understanding how such beliefs developed and shaped the region's history.
The museum presents the Janare, local witches described in regional folklore as shapeshifters with special powers tied to the land. Exhibits show how these figures remain woven into the area's storytelling and collective memory today.
The museum is located in a historic building within the town and operates on most days of the week. It is best to check opening times beforehand as they vary seasonally, and plan for about one to two hours for a visit.
The museum preserves an old formula that witches may have used to enter a special state, offering a tangible window into local magical practices. These words provide insight into the actual beliefs and rituals that people in this region once performed.
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