If you go up to the right, you will find the other two tunnels. From there you can go to the information board.
If you prefer, on the other hand, you can choose to go down alongside the flowing water channel – careful as you go, (warning, the water is not drinkable). You are now coming up to Rico’s haybarn.
Rico’s haybarn is a fascinating private folk museum fruit of the passion of Rico’s daughter, Mary Orler. She wanted to display all her old everyday “things” for everybody to see, together with those donated by many locals. Here, the help of Albino Bond was invaluable; when young, he had emigrated to Australia and had lived there for fifty years, but on his return here he became curator, custodian and museum guide of this old world.
Entering on the ground floor one can become lost amongst memories; looking at photographs, tools, embroidery, a corner of a house with plates, cutlery, pots, grinders and everything you need for the table. Mary has always been a seamstress and had many clothes as well as traditional folkloristic costumes which were once worn for special occasions. In a traditional wardrobe there were once three types of clothing: work clothes, simple and often a bit shabby; clothes for formal occasions; clothes for special occasions such as mass, weddings and the important festivals. Of course, there would have been summer and winter outfits. On the floor above there is a reconstruction of a late 19th century room, the bed had once belonged to the curate. Trousseaus, sacred pictures, first aid kits and a cot with dolls. In the other corner there is all the equipment needed to crush and spin linen, hemp and wool. Note the ceiling above the loom too, it was originally in an old house in Mezzano. Nurture these memories and you will find yourself in any one of these objects. But take your time.
When you come out into the bright light, perhaps a little revitalised, I will be there waiting for you.
