Museo della Pietra e degli Scalpellini
Museum | Longarone | Veneto | Italy
The Museo della Pietra e degli Scalpellini in Longarone, Veneto, is dedicated to the craft of stonemasons and the importance of stone in the region. It is located in the former town hall of Castellavazzo and offers a comprehensive insight into the history and techniques of stone processing.
History and Significance
The region around Castellavazzo has been known for its quarries since the 15th century. The stones extracted there were used not only for trade, but also for local buildings such as houses, stairs, windowsills, wells, and cobblestones. The museum was founded to preserve this traditional craft and to bring it closer to the public.
Collections and Exhibitions
The museum is divided into five thematic areas:
Geological history: This section provides a detailed overview of the geological development of the province of Belluno, including tectonic changes and different types of rocks.
Presence of stone: This area highlights the significance of stone over the centuries, with exhibits ranging from everyday applications to spiritual and cultural contexts.
Stone in daily life: An extensive collection of artifacts shows how stone was used in various aspects of daily life.
Techniques of stone extraction, processing, and handling: This section explains the methods used by stonemasons to extract and process stone.
Castellavazzo: A village of stone, the stone of a village: An impressive exhibition celebrates the history of Castellavazzo and the close connection of the community with stone.
In addition, there is an archaeological exhibition on the ground floor featuring finds from Roman times discovered in the surroundings of Castellavazzo.
Educational and Cultural Offerings
The museum is actively involved in education, offering various programs for schools and the general public. These include workshops, temporary exhibitions, and events that keep the cultural heritage of the region alive and accessible to a wide audience.
Overall, the Museo della Pietra e degli Scalpellini represents a significant cultural treasure of the region and invites visitors to discover the history, art, and culture of Longarone and its surroundings.
