Nestled in the heart of Piedmont, the Museum of Arts and Crafts of the Past in Cisterna d’Asti offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. With over 6,000 artifacts spanning centuries, the museum guides visitors through immersive exhibits that bring ancient crafts and daily life to life. Whether you’re captivated by the blacksmith’s forge or intrigued by the secrets of the weaver’s loom, this comprehensive tour promises to transport you back in time and leave you eager to uncover more.
Key Points
- The Museum of Arts and Crafts of the Past in Cisterna d’Asti offers guided tours across three floors, showcasing over 6,000 artifacts from the 17th to 20th centuries.
- The cellar level features artisanal workshops and displays on agricultural techniques, providing insights into the daily lives of local farmers.
- The piano nobile level showcases a bakery, tavern, and goldsmith’s shop, allowing visitors to envision the activities of bygone eras.
- The top floor workshops for cobblers, carpenters, and watchmakers offer an immersive educational experience on ancient crafts.
- The museum provides live tour guides in both Italian and English, and it is wheelchair accessible with an elevator service for all three floors.
The Castello E Museo Arti E Mestieri Di Un Tempo
The Castello e Museo Arti e Mestieri di un Tempo, or the Castle and Museum of the Arts and Crafts of the Past, is located in Cisterna d’Asti, Piedmont.
This ethnographic museum houses over 6,000 objects dating from the 17th to 20th centuries. It features 27 workshops illustrating various ancient crafts, from blacksmithing and basket making to weaving and watchmaking.
Founded in 1980 by volunteers, the museum offers a guided tour spanning three floors, including a cellar, piano nobile, and top floor workshops.
Visitors can explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and learn about the traditional trades that once thrived in this area.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cisterna D Asti.
Exploring the Museum’s Collection
What awaits visitors in the museum’s vast collection of over 6,000 artifacts?
Across three floors, the museum houses 27 workshops showcasing ancient crafts like blacksmithing, basket weaving, and winemaking.
The cellar level features these artisanal workshops along with peasant legends and agricultural techniques.
Explore the cellar level’s artisanal workshops, peasant legends, and agricultural techniques.
The piano nobile level highlights a variety of trades, including a bakery, tavern, and goldsmith’s shop.
The top floor presents workshops of cobblers, carpenters, and more, plus rooms dedicated to weights, measures, music, and mutual aid societies.
Visitors can explore this immersive, educational experience with the guidance of a live tour in Italian or English.
Highlights of the Cellar Level
As visitors descend into the cellar, they’re greeted by a captivating array of workshops that illustrate the region’s rich artisanal heritage.
The blacksmith’s forge and basket maker’s station provide glimpses into the physical labor and skills required for these trades.
Nearby, displays on peasant legends and agricultural techniques offer insights into the daily lives of local farmers.
The wine room, with its antique barrels and wine-making tools, underscores the area’s longstanding winemaking traditions.
Throughout the cellar, the museum immerses guests in the sights, sounds, and textures of Piedmont’s past.
Discovering the Piano Nobile
Ascending to the Piano Nobile, visitors enjoy a captivating display of artisanal workshops that bring the past to life.
The tour showcases a bakery, tavern, printing shop, tobacco shop, nougat-maker, and goldsmith’s shop, transporting guests through the daily activities of bygone eras.
A room dedicated to Princess Maria Vittoria further enhances the museum’s historical richness. Guests can envision the skilled hands of artisans at work, providing a tangible connection to Piedmont’s cultural heritage.
The Piano Nobile offers a multisensory experience, inviting visitors to step back in time and appreciate the ingenuity of traditional craftsmanship.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Top Floor Workshops
Visitors ascend to the top floor, where they discover a captivating array of workshops that further illuminate the museum’s dedication to preserving Piedmont’s rich cultural heritage.
The top floor features workshops showcasing the skills of cobblers, saddlers, carpenters, weavers, cartwrights, watchmakers, grinders, mattress makers, and tailors.
Guests can also explore rooms dedicated to weights and measures, music, and the middle class, as well as mutual aid societies.
This immersive experience allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s artisanal traditions and the daily lives of its inhabitants throughout history.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
The museum tour offers a captivating visitor experience, with a live guide available to lead guests in both Italian and English. Visitors can also enjoy access to the viewing terrace, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside. For a comfortable exploration, the tour company recommends wearing appropriate footwear.
| Amenity | Description |
|—————————————-|——————————————————————-|
| Live Tour Guide | Available in Italian and English |
| Viewing Terrace | Offers scenic views of the local landscape |
| Comfortable Shoes Recommended | For a pleasant and easy-paced tour experience |
Booking and Reservation Details
How can one book a tour of the Cisterna d’Asti Museum? Reservations are made through the museum’s website or ticket office. The process is simple:
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Check availability for desired start times.
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Choose the preferred tour option and reserve your spot.
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No upfront payment is required – just reserve your place and pay later.
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Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
With flexible booking, secure payment, and free cancellation, visitors can easily plan their tour of this fascinating ethnographic museum in the Piedmont region.
Accessibility and Getting There
The Cisterna d’Asti Museum is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator servicing all three floors of the medieval castle.
The museum is located within the Castello e Museo Arti e Mestieri di un tempo, making it easy to find. Visitors can start their tour at the ticket office within the castle.
The guided tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, providing ample time to explore the vast collection of over 6,000 objects from the 17th to 20th centuries.
Comfortable shoes are recommended to navigate the various workshops and exhibits spread across the museum’s floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the guided tour, though they may be asked to avoid using flash photography in certain areas to preserve the museum’s artifacts. It’s best to check with the tour guide before taking photos.
Are Guided Tours Available in Other Languages Besides Italian and English?
Yes, guided tours are available in other languages besides Italian and English. The museum offers tours in multiple languages to accommodate international visitors. However, the availability of languages may vary, so it’s best to check with the museum beforehand.
Is There a Cafeteria or Restaurant On-Site?
The museum doesn’t have a cafeteria or restaurant on-site. However, there are several dining options nearby in the town of Cisterna d’Asti that visitors can explore after their guided tour of the museum.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Memorabilia From the Museum?
Yes, the museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenir and memorabilia items related to the museum’s collections and exhibitions. These may include books, postcards, local artisanal products, and other keepsakes to remember the visit.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code for the tour, but comfortable shoes are recommended. The museum is wheelchair accessible, so visitors can wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking and exploring the various workshops and exhibits.
The Wrap Up
The Museum of Arts and Crafts of the Past in Cisterna d’Asti offers a captivating journey through the rich heritage of Piedmont. With over 6,000 artifacts, visitors can enjoy ancient crafts, daily life, and scenic views. Whether you’re interested in history, artisanal workshops, or simply exploring the region, this museum is a must-visit destination, guided by knowledgeable staff in Italian and English.
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