Nestled in the tranquillity of the Valle dei Ronchi, at the foot of the picturesque Piccole Dolomiti, the Cortiana Forge stands as a valuable testament to the artisanal tradition and working culture that have characterised these mountains for centuries. This historic building, which is now open to visitors, retains the charm of a craft that was an integral part of daily life in local communities until relatively recent times.

Originally built as a mill, the structure was later converted into a craftsman’s workshop and remained in operation until the 1980s. It was here that the blacksmith Francesco Cortiana worked, the last guardian of a craft passed down from generation to generation. Thanks to the power of the water from the Ala stream, which drove the hammer and the millstone, cutting tools were produced for agricultural and forestry work—indispensable instruments for labour in the fields and woods of the area.

The distinctive feature of the Cortiana Forge lies precisely in its traditional production system. Hydraulic power enabled the machinery required for ironworking to be operated, making it possible to produce scythes, axes, billhooks and other tools used daily by the local population. Even today, many of the original tools are preserved and in perfect working order, offering visitors an authentic immersion in the history of mountain craftsmanship.

Keeping this memory alive is Mario Cortiana, grandson of the blacksmith Francesco, who, through stories and demonstrations, guides visitors in discovering ironworking techniques and the traditions associated with life in the forge. His accounts provide an insight not only into the technical aspects of the trade, but also into the social role that the blacksmith played within the community.

A visit to the forge is made all the more fascinating by the natural setting in which it is situated. The route leading to the building winds through a landscape of great beauty, amidst woods, footpaths and panoramic views of the Val di Ronchi and the Piccole Dolomiti. The route starts from the village and follows ancient roads and paths that still retain the authentic character of the Vicenza mountains.

During the summer months, guided tours are organised, offering visitors the chance to see the historic machinery up close and hear stories about life at the forge. The experience provides a unique opportunity to rediscover a heritage built on hard work, ingenuity and traditions that would otherwise risk being lost.

The Cortiana Forge is not merely a historic building, but a veritable museum of local history, capable of recounting the evolution of craft trades and the deep bond between man, nature and the region’s resources. It is a place that allows visitors to understand how the power of water and the skill of human hands have contributed for centuries to the life and development of mountain communities.