OUR ROUTES

The Ice

The ice route covers the history of natural ice production, which developed in the Montagna Pistoiese region between the end of the eighteenth century and the early 1900s, its main axis being located in the Valle del Reno.

This route has been part of the Ecomuseo since its inauguration in 1988.

Madonnina Icehouse

via Modenese SR 66 – Le Piastre

The Madonnina Icehouse tells about the ingenious work of the ice-maker.
This unique structure, shaped as a cone trunk and with a straw roofing, was used to store and keep natural ice, produced using water from the Reno river, a system of bridles, gaps, artificial canals and the bitter winter cold.

OPENING HOURS 2023
From 2nd June to 10th September: from Friday to Sunday and 15/08, 3.30 p.m.– 6.30 p.m.
Meet the guide at the Madonnina Icehouse.

For visits during extraordinary opening hours, please call the number +39 0573 638025

Ice Teaching Hub

via della Noce – Pracchia

It includes photographic and audio-visual documentation about this proto-industrial activity. It also features original tools and two architectural models: one of them reproduces the Madonnina section and the other one of the first artificial ice factory.

Ecomuseum trekking – Icehouse Pathway

Following the interventions carried out by the Ecomuseum, with the collaboration of the Municipality of Pistoia, the path has been restored.
A fallen boulder is marked with a barrier, please pay close attention and do not stand in the marked area.
Access is always prohibited, in case of weather warning.

Completed using PSR 2007-2013 – measure 227 funding, the route is about 9 km, connecting Le Piastre to Pontepetri.
Signposted in two languages, the route allows for discovering some of the most important testimonies of ice production activities.
Click here to find out more.

The trekking route can be visited independently or with a registered GAE (Environmental Excursion Guide).
Suitable mountain apparel is recommended.

Download the map here. Follow the route coloured in green.

Mappa

Gallery