Museum of the Royal Bourbon Ironworks of Mongiana

In the green heart of the Serre Calabresi, the Museum of the Royal Bourbon Ironworks of Mongiana guides visitors through a fascinating chapter of Calabrian history: that of the ironworks, the weapons factory and the great iron and steel complex born in the Bourbon era. Here Calabria shows a different face from the better-known coast. Mongiana is not only nature and mountains: it was a strategic production centre, where water, woods and human ingenuity came together to power ironworking and give life to one of the most significant industrial complexes of the Kingdom of Naples and, later, of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The museum helps you understand the role this territory played in the production of iron goods and weapons, telling of the deep bond between natural resources, work, technique and the development of the village. Around the ironworks, the Mongiana community gradually grew, made up of workers, artisans and specialised craftspeople. Visiting the Museum of the Royal Bourbon Ironworks means entering a story made of metal, water, fire and memory. An ideal stop for those who want to discover the Vibo Valentia hinterland with a deeper gaze, beyond the classic image of seaside Calabria. WeDei tip Take the time the museum deserves, with attention to the historical part and to the story of the territory. For a fuller experience, pair the museum with a walk through the green to Lake Sambuco. A perfect half-day stop in the hinterland, especially for those who want to step away from the busier coastal routes.

• One of the most important sites of industrial archaeology in southern Italy
• A museum that tells of the Calabria of iron, labour and Bourbon ingenuity