On 5 May 1862, the “Regie Poste” (Italian Postal Service) was founded, incorporating the postal administrations of the pre-unification states. Since then, Poste has played a crucial role in the country’s emergence and formation and has contributed to its social, economic and cultural development. It has helped Italians to communicate with each other, to get to know each other and to speak a common language.

Before the existence of the Web, Poste connected the country.

Poste Italiane’s Historic Archive aims to safeguard and promote this long history, preserving and enhancing the company’s historical, cultural and artistic heritage through careful collecting, digitising, cataloguing and communication.

The collection of photos, films, historical documents and publications can be viewed, by appointment, at the headquarters in Rome, which also houses a selection of symbolic objects that represent significant moments in the history of both the Company and Italy. Guided tours, workshops and cultural events can be organised at the venue. At the Historical Buildings in Italy, the Historical Archive organizes exhibitions and open days to offer citizens the opportunity to learn about the company’s story and its connection with local history.

The Historical Archive also actively collaborates with national and local media, designs and creates publishing products and offers consulting services to television and film production companies regarding the historical reconstruction of postal premises and uniforms, as well as content.