Maglio di Carena

Mining activity in the 18th and 19th centuries began in 1792/93 under the leadership of the doctor Giovanni Bruni, in partnership with members of prominent families from Bellinzona. Following Dr Bruni’s death in 1795, operations were taken over by the Airoldi family of Lugano, before passing to new ownership around 1820. In 1813, ownership of the plant changed hands once more, remaining so until 1831, when operations ceased, likely due to a fire.

The complex comprising the hammer mill and smelting furnace is situated on a terrace on the left bank of the Morobbia, three kilometres west of Carena, and is clearly visible from the Carena-Alpe di Giumello forest road, at a marked spot equipped with an information panel.