Sometimes you have to visit a place because of the person that is associated with it. The Maglio of Breganze is such a place. A maglio is a mechanical hammer used to temper hot iron into different shapes, invented to save the human wear and tear caused by pounding on an anvil.
 Bruno Tamiello’s father had a shop, just like his ancestors before him, and Bruno has lovingly restored it and brings history alive at this remarkable place. As you walk through the wooden double doors, you are plunged into a world of semi-darkness. The walls are lined with old farm tools, all of which were forged by Bruno’s kin. Tamiello’s blue eyes light up as he explains what it was like to be a boy at his father’s side, entranced by the open flame, never tiring of watching his father at work on the hot iron.
When Bruno yells: “Via l’acqua”, loosely translated as “Pull out the stops” something amazing happens: he pulls on a long wooden handle and with a loud whoosh , water starts to flow through a canal, moving water wheels both in and outside the building. These in turn move a series of a half dozen long pulleys, used for operating a lathe and generating energy. (imagine Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory..). “ Now, stand back”, says Bruno, “we are working with really hot iron here-” as he moves to the open flame pulling out an iron rod that is red hot on one end.
After cooling the shovel , Bruno goes to the next station, the grinding stone. He uses a special stone found only in this area, and particularly adapted to this job. When shovels started to become mass produced, Tamiello’s business faltered. One trick of the trade he used to convince customers his shovels were superior was by clanging them against an anvil. The mass produced shovels made a dull clang, while Tamiello’s rang like a bell.
 Yet, modern technology was no match for slow craftsmanship, and the shop closed its doors in 1978. Bruno couldn’t bear to see the place deteriorate, so he began the long task of restoration, doing much of the work himself, and the maglio was officially designated as a museum in 2001.
The shop is located in Breganze, just 20 minutes from Bassano del Grappa. Bruno accepts groups
7 days a week, as long as you make a reservation.
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