Wood Working Museum

Take a trip back in time at the wood working museum in Pettenasco, where the tradition of turning wood into usable objects dates to 1800. Housed in old workshop owned by the Maulini family, it is a short walk from the Piazza del Municipio to see how the art of wood turning was performed. Using the canal's water and a paddle wheel (wood, of course!) to power the complicated machinery, the lathes and saws made easier labor of the craft. You'll see how they used these devices to cut, turn and and craft the wood into household items like salt and pepper grinders, mortars and pestles, kitchen utensils, bowls and games, along with table and chair legs, rods, frames and more.

The tradition continues today with modern technology, but this museum sheds light on an interesting period of history and the craftsmanship that it inspired. The nearby forests provided the ideal primary source of wood - cedar, chestnut, walnut, firm elm, oak, beech and birch were commonly used, along with rarer woods like cherry, pear, and rosewood.

The Museum, formally known as the Museo dell'Arte della Tornitura di Legno, is open from 10:30 AM til 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM until 6:30 PM. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available during business hours.