On the trail of traditional trades

There are places where the hubbub of modern living seems to disappear, making way for memories of the traditional trades and crafts, that continue to echo among Lombardy’s mountains, valleys and villages.

These places bring back human stories of passion and love for the local area: the art of silk weaving and iron working, craftsmanship, and traditional knowledge help to bring the past back to life. Outdoor museums and magical scenery are on offer here in these seven destinations, where you can discover the roots and the hidden beauty of some of Lombardy’s traditions.

SILK MUSEUM (Como)

Silk production is an ancient art, based on delicacy and patience, consolidated by the tradition of artisanal craftsmanship. From caring for the silkworms to the collection of the precious strands from the cocoons, through to the skills of spinning, weaving and dyeing, every step is a traditional process. The Silk Museum in Como preserves the memory of this craft, and can boast the fact that it is the oldest museum institute in the world to showcase the whole production process. Como’s traditions come to life here, with tools, documents and fabrics in a large technical and artistic conservation space. Just a stone’s throw from the centre of Como and its beautiful lake is the Silk Museum, with its extremely interesting collection of ancient exhibits, as well as events and educational activities to add to the cultural experience.

Vicolo dei lavandai (Milan)

This looks like somewhere suspended in time, and yet it is in the very heart of Milan. We are talking about Vicolo dei Lavandai, a picturesque slice of Naviglio Grande, between the fashionable restaurants and venues where you can enjoy a drink. It was here in 1700, that the Confraternita dei Lavandai di Milano was born. This confraternity consisted of local inhabitants who collected the laundry from the area and took care of washing and drying it here. The proximity to the Naviglio, together with a little square in which to load and unload goods onto the canal boats, made this a very busy place in terms of people and vehicles, forming a little ecosystem consisting of laundries, sailors, warehousemen and traders, which lasted right through to the late 1950s. Today, the old-world charm of the street remains, where the washhouse, with its stone stalls contains to attract the attention of passers-by. It is a hidden corner of the busy, modern-day Milan where you can also visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. 

MUSEUM OF FARMING CULTURE (Cremona)

The Museum of Farming Culture, a lovely showcase of artisanal traditions is part of the Cremona Museums circuit. The museum itself is located inside Cascina Cambonino, a 17th-century farmhouse in the countryside north of Cremona, now testament to the farming culture of the past. Inside you can stroll through the courtyard, visit the stalls, the farmer’s house, the small oratory and the bügadéera, the area traditionally used as a laundry, as well as see how wine used to be made. With its old farming tools and equipment, and lovely relics from daily life, this museum is a must-see when visiting Cremona, as it shows you an authentic beauty that appeals to adults and kids alike.