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THE MAGLIO CALVI: FROM THE IRRIGATION CANAL TO THE FUTURE
THE MAGLIO CALVI: FROM THE IRRIGATION CANAL TO THE FUTURE
Introduction
Introduction
The Maglio Calvi is the result of a long journey that combines water, labor, and community.
A story that begins centuries ago and continues today in a new form: not just a memory, but a project for the rebirth of the Seriana Valley
THE ORIGINS: WATER AS ENERGY
THE ORIGINS: WATER AS ENERGY
1223 – The irrigation canal of Comenduno
1223 – The irrigation canal of Comenduno
The bishop of Bergamo authorizes the extraction of water from the Serio River to create the Comenduno irrigation canal.
This hydraulic infrastructure powers mills and production activities and is the fundamental prerequisite on which, over the centuries, Maglio will rise.
THE PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT
THE PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT
1554 – The First Manufacturing Activities
1554 – The First Manufacturing Activities
The falling water powers a saw and two grinding wheels for working and sharpening iron.
The site becomes an early production center associated with craftsmanship and the processing of materials.
CRISIS AND TRANSFORMATION
CRISIS AND TRANSFORMATION
1658 – The Decline 3
1658 – The Decline 3
The building is in ruins, and the sawmill is no longer in use.
The site changes owners and purpose, going through a difficult phase.
THE BIRTH OF THE MAGLIO
THE BIRTH OF THE MAGLIO
1721 – The Iron Hammer Mill
1721 – The Iron Hammer Mill
The hammer mill is built for ironworking.
This marks the beginning of the productive heart that would define the site for centuries to come.
THE CALVI FAMILY
THE CALVI FAMILY
1740 – The Calvi s’ Arrival
1740 – The Calvi s’ Arrival
The first member of the Calvi family arrives in Comenduno from the Brembana Valley
1800 – A Difficult Period
1800 – A Difficult Period
Giacomo Calvi fails and dies in prison, marking a critical phase.
1822 – The Acquisition
1822 – The Acquisition
The workshop, house, and irrigation canal are acquired by the Calvi family; they are still the owners even today.
1863 – Water Rights
1863 – Water Rights
The Province acquires the irrigation canal but allows the Calvi family to retain perpetual rights to its use.
THE 20TH CENTURY
THE 20TH CENTURY
1941 – Defending the Irrigation Canal
1941 – Defending the Irrigation Canal
A lawsuit against the Albini Cotton Mill to prevent the diversion of the irrigation canal and the loss of its functionality.
THE END OF AN ERA
THE END OF AN ERA
1970 – The Last Master
1970 – The Last Master
Giuseppe Calvi, the last master of the Maglio, dies.
1972 – The Flood
1972 – The Flood
Production ceased permanently.
THE RISK OF LOSS
THE RISK OF LOSS
1980 – A Fragile Balance
1980 – A Fragile Balance
The Calvi house was restored, while the Maglio remained almost intact but unused.
THE RENAISSANCE: TODAY
THE RENAISSANCE: TODAY
The Present of the Maglio Calvi
The Present of the Maglio Calvi
Since 2021, the Maglio Calvi has come back to life through a growing series of initiatives that have brought again attention, people, and energy around this place.
A rising number of Initiatives
A rising number of Initiatives
Over the past few years, the Maglio has been animated by:
Frósche (community events)
Christmas nativity scenes
Art exhibitions
Shows and performances
Art and music workshops
“Pianta un chiodo” fundraiser
Guided tours
These activities have allowed over 2,000 people a year to rediscover the Maglio, transforming a forgotten place into a living, shared space
THE FUTURE: THE PROJECT
THE FUTURE: THE PROJECT
The sense of rebirth
The sense of rebirth
The Maglio Calvi is not just a place to preserve: it is a place to bring to life.
The project was created to transform it into a space capable of generating culture, connections, and opportunities.
The video of 1970 by Enrico Belotti, the last amazing testimony of the Maglio Calvi working:
The video of 1970 by Enrico Belotti, the last amazing testimony of the Maglio Calvi working:
Fondazione Maglio Calvi - Progetto 2026.pptxClick here to open this presentation (ITA)
Video Maglio.mp4If you are interested in our story, click here and read the book written by our Franco Innocenti
(ITA)
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