Museo etnografico del ferro «Le Fudine»
Civic museum in the ancient forges of Malegno, among the oldest in Europe, devoted to the working of iron (ferrarezza) in Valle Camonica.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Civico Museo Etnografico del Ferro “Le Fudine” was founded in 1998 by the Malegno municipal administration to present the traditional craft of ironworking in Valle Camonica, known as ferrarezza. It is housed in two ancient workshops, the fudine de’ Serini and de’ Nani, named after the last smiths who worked there: among the oldest forges in Europe, with a late Gothic layout probably dating from the 14th–15th century, they are a remarkable example of industrial archaeology. They produced graters, ladles, fire shovels and picks until a few decades ago.
The route, entitled “Ferro: un metallo tra cielo e terra” (Iron: a metal between sky and earth), evokes the work of the smith through water, air and fire. The main hall displays tools and objects made in the forges; in the central hall can be seen the maglio (trip hammer) and the “tina de l’ora”, a water-powered blower that kept the furnace fire alive; at the back are preserved a wheel and part of a large shears. Outside, the waterwheels run along the channel fed by the Lanico stream. Unlike the similar museum in Bienno, the water has not been restored to work the forge. The main hall also hosts exhibitions and conferences.
Highlights
- Two ancient late Gothic forges (the fudine de’ Serini and de’ Nani)
- Trip hammer and “tina de l’ora”
- Waterwheels along the channel of the Lanico stream
- Tools and forged objects
- Stations for educational workshops
Permanent exhibition
- Ferro: un metallo tra cielo e terra – Route through the two forges with trip hammer, water-powered blower, waterwheel, shears and forged tools.
- Founded
- 1998
- Operated by
- Comune di Malegno
- Visitors per year
- approx. 180
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in the centre of Malegno, on Via Sant’Antonio.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Educational visits by telephone appointment. A guide in PDF format is available on the website. |
