The Gotica Toscana Museum (MuGot), in Ponzalla, in the municipality of Scarperia e San Piero (FI), is preparing an important development for 2025: the opening of a new exhibition space. a new exhibition hall entirely dedicated to the German armory. of the Second World War. A significant expansion that further enriches the museum path, offering a documented and comprehensive perspective on the Italian-German front during the Italian Campaign. The work was conceived and carried out by the amazing volunteers of Gotica Toscana aps, who are tireless in leading numerous practical initiatives for the setup and reconstruction of historical contexts related to the Second World War in the Apennine sector of the Gothic Line and Passo del Giogo.
The new section will be open to the public starting from April 21 and will host original weapons, equipment, and accessories used by the German troops, particularly those who operated along the Gothic Line. Special attention is given to the 4. Fallschirmjäger-Division, protagonist of the fierce fighting in September 1944 on Giogo Pass, where it fiercely resisted the Allied advance.
The weapons on display: Wehrmacht and paratroopers
Inside the hall, among others, these characteristic weapons of the German infantry will be displayed, which were used in the defensive battles on the Gothic Line at Passo del Giogo:
- the Karabiner 98k, bolt-action rifle standard issue to the German infantry,
- the famous MP 40, compact submachine gun used by non-commissioned officers and paratroopers,
- the rare and technologically advanced FG 42, semi-automatic weapon designed for the elite troops of the Luftwaffe,
- the deadly MG 42, belt-fed machine gun with an impressive rate of fire,
- the pistols Luger P08 and Walther P38,
- the grenade launchers Panzerfaust and the iconic Stielhandgranate, trench club grenades,
- and finally, the infantry mortars, including the 8 cm Granatwerfer 34, essential weapon for close-range support fire, used extensively in the Apennine foothills.
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