Ecomuseo del contrabbando e della polvere da sparo
Ecomuseum of Chitignano on the clandestine production of gunpowder and the tobacco trade, with a documentation centre and the “pilli” trails.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The ecomuseum documents the production and trade of two distinctive products, gunpowder and tobacco. The gunpowder mills along the Rassina stream, driven by water power, reached their peak between the 19th and 20th centuries; the most important were those of the Prati and the Ciofi. Gunpowder was also made in the woods, in hollows cut into the rock known as “pilli”, used as rough mortars and kept out of the authorities’ control: hence the link with smuggling.
Tobacco was grown in the County of the Ubertini counts until 1779, and then under privileges granted by Grand Duke Peter Leopold. After the privilege was abolished in 1830, trade continued in secret: the raw material arrived from the Valtiberina and Umbria, was processed in Chitignano into cut tobacco and cigars by cigar makers (sigaraie), and was then sold smuggled along the smugglers’ routes.
The documentation centre displays working tools and panels on the two crafts, with a video space that gathers testimonies from the Banca della Memoria. Trails lead to the pilli in the woods, and in the surroundings are the healing waters of Chitignano.
Highlights
- Documentation centre on gunpowder and tobacco
- Video space with testimonies from the Banca della Memoria
- Trails to the smugglers’ “pilli” in the woods
- Traditional wooden games for children
Permanent exhibition
- Centro di documentazione sul contrabbando e sulla polvere da sparo – Working tools, panels and a video space with testimonies on gunpowder production and tobacco processing.
- Founded
- 1998
- Operated by
- Comune di Chitignano; Associazione «I Battitori»
Admission & discounts
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Accessibility
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Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
The hosts welcome children warmly, with traditional wooden games and a wooden pinball table. In July and August, excursions are organised to discover the pilli, with entertainment for children and families.
Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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