Aranciaia, Mannerist orangery in Colorno, Italy
The Aranciaia is a Mannerist orangery in Colorno featuring two levels with a rectangular layout, high vaulted ceilings, and large windows that flood the interior with light. The ground floor serves as museum storage and entrance, while the upper floor contains exhibition spaces for display and viewing.
This building was built between 1710 and 1712 to shelter citrus plants during winter months. In the second half of the 1700s it was converted into a covered riding school, marking a shift in how the space was used.
The Museum of Rural Life within this building displays tools and artifacts tied to farming, fishing, hunting, and traditional cheese making that shaped the region. Visitors see firsthand how people worked and produced food in earlier times.
Access is arranged through guided tours that provide structured exploration of the museum exhibits. Plan enough time to view the displayed objects carefully and wear comfortable shoes, as stairs connect the two levels.
The ceiling of the upper floor is supported by ogival arches decorated with circular openings that show the architectural thinking of that period. This structural approach blends beauty with practical support in an uncommon way.
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