In the Aosta Valley, the iron excavated in local mines encouraged the growth of a wrought iron craftwork

The origins of wrought iron craftwork in the Aosta Valley are linked to the exploitation of the mines in Cogne and Ussel, that provided the minerals needed to run the numerous forges spread across the region.

The craftwork aimed mainly at the production of items for everyday use (containers, keys, locks, farming equipment...) but achieved significant artistic levels: the pomegranate fountain at Issogne castle is an example.

From the second half of the XIX century, the construction of the Ivrea-Aosta railway line caused a full scale invasion of the market in the Aosta Valley of industrial products at competitive prices that reduced the production of iron craftwork to a minimum.

Only after the war did the growing interest shown in the production of craftwork determine a gradual revival in the industry, so much so that manufactured goods for the building industry, such as railings, signs, grates as well as lamps, umbrella stands and coat stands for inside, have now become popular, sought after the Aosta Valley style accessories in villas, restored farmhouses, mountain chalets, etc..