Museum of Chimney Sweeps
About This Museum
People don't just stumble upon the Museum of Chimney Sweeps; they come seeking a tangible link to a trade steeped in soot, superstition, and survival. Tucked away in the Parco di Villa Antonia, this charmingly niche museum tells the surprisingly rich human story behind the iconic figure of the 'spazzacamino'. You'll find yourself captivated by personal tales and tools of the trade that speak volumes about a life spent navigating the dark, narrow flues of Northern Italy. It’s an intimate and unexpectedly moving tribute to a vanishing way of life.
Collection Highlights
The heart of the museum is its array of historic tools—from stiff bristle brushes to heavy metal scrapers—that feel heavy with use and history. Personal photographs and handwritten accounts from sweeps themselves add a powerful, human dimension, while traditional wool uniforms, darkened with years of grime, stand as silent witnesses to a grueling profession.
Visitor Information
You'll find it in Santa Maria Maggiore, a lovely town in the Vigezzo Valley that's well worth exploring itself. It's the kind of place where an hour's visit can easily stretch into two as you get lost in the stories.
Architecture & Building
Housed within a historic villa in a serene park setting, the building itself feels like part of the exhibit, with its classic Italianate charm providing a beautiful contrast to the gritty profession it celebrates.
Contact & Location
Address: 28857, Santa Maria Maggiore, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte, Italia
Phone: +39 0324 905675
Website: Visit Website
