Fonderia Ferdinandea

Fonderia Ferdinandea is an industrial foundry complex with four main buildings and a central blast furnace for iron production in Calabria. Two structures remain today and include an administrative residence with a cast-iron shrine and a granite bust of Ferdinand II.

The foundry was established in 1814 under Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, replacing an earlier royal facility at Stilo. It became a major industrial center for the region until its closure in the 20th century.

The site is part of the Ecomuseo delle ferriere e fonderie di Calabria and preserves the craft tradition of metal processing in southern Italy. Visitors can see today how work was organized in such facilities and what role they played in local life.

The site is located in a rural area and is best reached by car, as public transport is limited. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are uneven and some areas are exposed to the elements.

The foundry sourced iron ore from nearby Pazzano mines, which reduced transportation costs and made production economical. This proximity to raw materials was a key advantage that contributed to the facility's long operational life.