Centro Stava 1985

About the museum

Centro Stava 1985 stands in Stava, a hamlet of Tesero in the Fiemme Valley, along the road that climbs to Pampeago. It commemorates the catastrophe of 19 July 1985, when the collapse of a sludge dump from the Prestavèl fluorite mine released a mudflow that swept through the valley and the Via Mulini district of Tesero: 268 people died. It is considered one of the most serious disasters in the world caused by the failure of mining basins, and one of the largest industrial and environmental catastrophes in Italy.

The centre is run by the Fondazione Stava 1985 Onlus, founded to keep an “active memory” alive: to inform and educate, exploring the origins, causes and responsibilities of the collapse, so that such tragedies are not repeated. The building belongs to the Municipality of Tesero, which has lent it to the Foundation free of charge and covers its running costs.

A visit normally begins with the docu-fiction “Stava 19 luglio” and continues along the educational route of about 120 square metres, which tells the story of the mine, explains the use of fluorite, describes the growth and collapse of the dump, the trial and the reconstruction, and compares the case with the Vajont and Cermis disasters. The centre also hosts the exhibition “Dove Stava una valle”, devoted to the life of the valley before the catastrophe, and on the terrace a permanent photographic display on memory and rebirth. The texts are deliberately objective and aim to stimulate reflection rather than emotion.

Key themes

• Educational route on the causes and responsibilities for the collapse of 19 July 1985
• Docu-fiction “Stava 19 luglio” in the screening room
• Exhibition “Dove Stava una valle” on the life of the valley before the disaster
• Permanent photographic display “Memoria e rinascita” on the terrace
• Starting point of the memory trails to the Prestavèl mining area

Permanent exhibitions

• Percorso didattico sul disastro del 19 luglio 1985 – Route of about 120 square metres on the mine, the collapse of the dump, the responsibilities and the reconstruction, with a comparison to the Vajont and Cermis disasters.
• Dove Stava una valle – Exhibition on the history of the valley through the activities that took place there before the catastrophe.
• Memoria e rinascita – Permanent photographic display on the terrace of the centre, freely accessible.

Operated by

Fondazione Stava 1985 Onlus (edificio del Comune di Tesero)

Visitors per year

approx. 6,333

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

During normal opening hours the visit is free; a donation towards the volunteer work is welcome. The Wednesday excursion is free for holders of the Fiemme Cembra Guest Card. Other guided visits and excursions by reservation cost from €4 to €10 per participant, depending on the agreed programme.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

According to the centre, the visit is also designed for families with young children, provided they are accompanied by adults; the approach is deliberately objective. Guided excursion with a family rate.

Getting there & parking

The centre is signposted from the road: from Tesero, climb towards Pampeago; it lies uphill from the hotels of Stava. Nearby are the little church of La Palanca and the cemetery of the victims at the church of San Leonardo in Tesero.

Amenities & dining

• Café

The Stradivari bar, next to the centre, offers refreshments and quick meals.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit