Fonderie Ilva di Follonica

Fonderie Ilva is a former iron foundry complex that now functions as a cultural park, combining historic production structures with contemporary facilities. The site contains original furnaces, workshops, and exhibition areas interspersed with landscaped green spaces.

The foundry was established in 1546 by the Appiani family and processed ore from nearby islands into metal goods. Production operations ceased in 1960 when the business could no longer sustain itself economically.

The site holds a museum dedicated to cast iron craftsmanship and a theater that serve as gathering places for the community. These venues help people connect with the region's industrial past through exhibitions and performances.

The park is accessible daily and easy to explore on foot with clear signage between buildings. Plan to spend several hours here to properly view the structures and exhibitions.

The site features two distinctive furnaces named San Leopoldo and Maria Antonia that were built between 1834 and 1841. These paired structures represent some of the best-preserved examples of their kind from that era.

Location: Follonica

GPS coordinates: 42.92280,10.76060

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:45