Fornaci: History and Workshops for Children

Fornaci: History and Educational Activities

Two different perspectives come together in Fornaci: the history of the Fornace Deretti and the educational activities offered by Fattoria Didattica Alle Fornaci. This makes it possible to explore the area through both its industrial past and a hands-on educational program. This distinction is useful when planning a trip: the Fornace represents the area’s historical development, while the Fattoria offers outdoor workshops for children. Clay features in both contexts, but in different ways: as a workshop subject and in connection with the site’s former clay extraction.

The Fornace Deretti and Its History

The Fornace Deretti operated from 1850 to 1968 and was founded by engineer Cesare Deretti. Its more than a century of operation places it in the 19th and 20th centuries; its founding by Deretti also gives the site a specific historical reference point. The local history is therefore tied both to a named person and to a clearly defined period of operation.

In 1926, a metal chest containing Roman coins was found on the Fornace grounds during clay extraction. This took place within its operating period, from 1850 to 1968. Industrial use and an archaeological discovery are thus linked by a clear timeline: the coin find dates to the years when the Fornace was operating. The chest containing Roman coins makes this episode in the area’s history tangible and distinguishes it from the Fornace’s longer history.

The settlement setting is also part of the picture. A regional guide from 2013 describes Fattoria Didattica Alle Fornaci as being in a typical 19th-century agricultural hamlet that developed around the Fornace Deretti. The description connects the Fattoria’s location with the development of the hamlet and its ties to the Fornace. This makes it possible to look at local history on two scales: the creation of an agriculturally oriented settlement and the history of an individual business. This context complements the operating dates and the 1926 find with the development of the hamlet.

Hands-On Workshops for Children

Fattoria Didattica Alle Fornaci offers children hands-on outdoor workshops, with clay as the focus of its main educational workshop. The theme combines a material with practical, hands-on activity. Clay also features in the Fornace’s history through the extraction of clay, but the two subjects have different focuses: the workshop centers on working with clay, while the discovery centers on the metal chest containing Roman coins. This distinguishes the educational program from the archaeological history, even though both are connected to clay.

Workshops suited to children can be planned in coordination with teachers. For teachers, this offers a concrete starting point when considering a workshop as part of their planning: coordination is one option, and the content can be tailored to the children taking part. Anyone interested in activities for children will find two clear features of the program: hands-on outdoor workshops and clay as the subject of the main educational workshop.

Fattoria Didattica Address

As of March 27, 2026, Fattoria Didattica Alle Fornaci is listed in the Lombardy Region register at Via Fornaci 20, 25030 Torbole Casaglia (BS). The full address complements the information about the educational program with a specific location. You can link the Fattoria’s name to its register entry and the address provided.

Discover more destinations: San Martino Della Battaglia, Ponte San Marco, Rodengo-Saiano, Azzano Mella, Campione Del Garda, Anfo, Limone Sul Garda, Bovezzo

For the main travel guide: Brescia.