Cisterna d’Asti’s Museum of Arts and Crafts of the Past offers a captivating 1.5-hour guided tour through its vast collection. Visitors can explore 27 workshops showcasing traditional crafts and cultural heritage from the 17th to 20th centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the past, this museum promises an enriching experience for all. Discover the intriguing stories behind each exhibit and uncover the region’s rich artisanal legacy.
Key Points
- The Castello e Museo Arti e Mestieri di un tempo di Cisterna d’Asti offers a 1.5-hour guided tour of its extensive collection of over 6,000 objects from the 17th to 20th centuries.
- The museum features 27 workshops across three floors, showcasing a wide range of traditional crafts and industries, including blacksmithing, basket weaving, and wine-making.
- Visitors can explore the first-floor workshops, such as the blacksmith’s area and the wine room, and learn about the stories and traditions behind each craft.
- The second floor includes a bakery, a tavern, and a room dedicated to Princess Maria Vittoria, providing insights into the social and historical aspects of the region.
- The third floor highlights a variety of workshops, including a cobbler-saddler, a carpenter, a weaver, and a watchmaker, fostering an appreciation for Piedmont’s artisanal spirit.
Overview of the Guided Tour
The guided tour of the Arts and Crafts Museum in Cisterna d’Asti provides visitors with an immersive exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
This 1.5-hour activity takes place at the Castello e Museo Arti e Mestieri di un tempo di Cisterna d’Asti. Guided tours are available in both Italian and English, and the museum is wheelchair accessible.
Visitors can expect to learn about the museum’s extensive collection of over 6,000 objects from the 17th to 20th centuries, as well as its 27 workshops illustrating various crafts across three floors.
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Highlights of the Museum
One of the largest ethnographic museums in Piedmont, the Arts and Crafts Museum in Cisterna d’Asti houses over 6,000 objects from the seventeenth to twentieth century.
Established in 1980 by volunteers, the museum contains 27 workshops illustrating various crafts across three floors.
Visitors can explore the blacksmiths, basket makers, and a room dedicated to wine on the first floor.
The second floor showcases a bakery, tavern, printing shop, and more, including a room dedicated to Princess Maria Vittoria.
The third floor exhibits a variety of workshops and peasant-related displays.
Exploring the First Floor
After exploring the museum’s highlights, visitors begin their tour on the first floor.
Here they discover the workshops of blacksmiths, basket makers, and a room dedicated to wine. The blacksmith’s area showcases the tools and techniques used to craft iron, while the basket makers demonstrate the intricate process of weaving willow and straw.
The wine room highlights the region’s viticulture, displaying antique equipment and explaining the evolution of winemaking. Throughout, the live guide provides engaging commentary, sharing the stories and traditions behind each craft.
Visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the first floor’s artisanal heritage.
Discovering the Second Floor
Visitors now ascend to the second floor, where they discover a diverse array of workshops illustrating the region’s rich artisanal heritage.
The bakery showcases traditional bread-making techniques, while the tavern offers a glimpse into the social hub of bygone days.
The bakery showcases traditional bread-making, while the tavern offers a glimpse into the social hub of bygone days.
The printing shop and tobacco shop provide insights into thriving local industries.
One particularly notable highlight is the goldsmith’s shop, where skilled craftspeople demonstrate the intricate art of jewelry-making.
Nearby, a room pays tribute to Princess Maria Vittoria del Pozzo della Cisterna, providing a fascinating historical perspective.
More Great Tours NearbyVisiting the Third Floor
Ascending to the third floor, guests encounter a captivating array of workshops showcasing the region’s rich artisanal heritage. From the cobbler-saddler to the carpenter, weaver, and watchmaker, each station illuminates a unique craft. The third floor also features exhibits on peasant weights, traditional music, the middle class, and mutual aid societies, offering a comprehensive glimpse into Piedmont’s cultural fabric.
| Workshop | Description |
| — | — |
| Cobbler-Saddler | Crafting leather goods |
| Carpenter | Skilled woodworking |
| Weaver | Intricate textile production |
| Watchmaker | Delicate timepiece assembly |
The third floor immerses visitors in the storied traditions that have shaped the region, fostering a deeper appreciation for Piedmont’s enduring artisanal spirit.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Though the guided tour promises an immersive exploration of the Museum of Arts and Crafts, the booking and cancellation policy offers visitors additional flexibility.
Priced from SEK 77 per person, the tour can be booked without any upfront payment. This allows visitors to reserve their spot with ease.
Should plans change, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a full refund.
The museum’s accessibility and this user-friendly booking system make the guided tour an appealing option for those seeking a deeper dive into Cisterna d’Asti’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitor Information
What important considerations should visitors keep in mind when planning their visit to the Museum of Arts and Crafts?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the museum spans three separate floors. However, an elevator provides access to all levels, making the exhibits wheelchair-friendly.
The guided tour includes the entrance ticket and provides access to the viewing terrace, offering panoramic vistas of the medieval castle and the surrounding countryside.
Whether you’re exploring the blacksmith’s workshop or the midwife’s station, the museum’s wealth of ethnographic artifacts and living displays promises an immersive and enlightening experience for all.
Discovering the Castle and Viewing Terrace
As visitors ascend the museum’s floors, they’ll be greeted by the captivating sight of the medieval castle that houses the Arts and Crafts Museum. The castle, dating back to the 12th century, stands as a testament to the region’s rich history.
Atop the museum, a viewing terrace offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the picturesque town of Cisterna d’Asti. Visitors can take in the breathtaking vistas and imagine the castle’s past as they explore the museum’s impressive collection of artifacts and workshops showcasing the traditional crafts of the region.
Common Questions
Are Photography and Filming Allowed During the Tour?
Photography and filming are allowed during the guided tour, though visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. Guidelines may be provided by the tour guide at the start of the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour duration beyond the 1.5 hours offered. The guided tour has a fixed schedule and itinerary that cannot be customized or lengthened during the booking process.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Group Sizes?
Yes, the tour can be customized for group sizes. Groups can arrange for a private tour with extended duration and specialized content. Additional fees may apply for larger groups or customized experiences.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
Yes, the museum offers discounted admission for seniors and students. Visitors aged 65 and over, as well as students with valid ID, can enjoy a reduced price for the guided tour.
Is There a Dress Code Required for the Museum Visit?
There’s no specific dress code for the museum visit. Visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves exploring different workshops across three floors. Casual, practical attire is suitable for the guided tour.
The Sum Up
The Museum of Arts and Crafts of the Past in Cisterna d’Asti offers a captivating 1.5-hour guided tour, showcasing over 6,000 objects from the 17th to 20th centuries. Visitors can explore 27 workshops across three floors, including a blacksmith’s area, a bakery, and a tavern, seeing the traditional crafts and cultural heritage of the region. The tour is available in both Italian and English, making it accessible for all, while the museum itself is wheelchair-friendly.
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