The craft of wrought iron has been practiced since the 1600's. Estate owners would vie for the craftsmen's (the "brüsafer") best work with which they could embellish their mansions. Still today eye catching balconies, gratings, gates, both small and large, emblems and coats of arms adorn the facades of the villas scattered amidst Franciacorta. Rovato-born Aldo Caratti, who died in 1998, was one of the most celebrated brüsafer. He created many works of art and had a particular passion for wrought iron sculpture. It's well worth visiting the Maglio Averoldi in Ome to discover more about the ancient craft of working with wrought iron. This 15th century workshop, fully operational as a forge up until just a few years ago, is now a museum.
The tradition of making fishing nets and naécc, the local fishing boats, by hand is still carried out by a handful of artisans on Monte Isola, the largest European island in a lake.
Sarnico, the stone found on the bank facing Bergamo of Lake Iseo, has been used for centuries in the construction of Franciacorta's villas. It has been used since the 1600's to beautify both public and private buildings, to frame windows and doorways and to build fireplaces, columns and staircases. Quarries not far from Paratico can still be found, but today there are precious few masons who work the stone.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Maglio Averoldi
Via Maglio, 51 - Ome
For information and bookings contact: 030 891 2493 (Miniere Pezzaze);
Museo del Ferro, located in the Olivetan Abbey of San Nicola
Via Brescia, 83
Advanced booking required (Olivetan Benedictine Monks, tel: 030 610 182)
Officina Caratti
(Wrought iron sculpture)
Via F.lli Porcellaga, 6 - Rovato
Advanced booking required, 4 days minimum notice (open May to September on the first and last Sunday of the month between the hours of 2.00pm and 5.30pm)
Entrance free.
Tel 339 769 3322
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