Italian
An island with two faces: Giudecca between history and industry
TREVISO. On Thursday, February 20th at 5:30 pm, at Palazzo Giacomelli – Spazio Confindustria Veneto Est in Treviso (piazza Garibaldi 13), the book presentation of “Giudecca” by the writer and historian Pietro Lando will take place. The event, organized by the Business Library of the Association, will see the author in dialogue with the journalist and writer Silvio Testa. Opening the event will be Maria Debellini, Councilor delegated to Corporate Culture of Confindustria Veneto Est.
Lando’s book tells the story of the island of Giudecca, a place often overlooked by the spotlight, but rich in charm and with an industrial past that has profoundly marked its identity. The island, located a short distance from Venice, has experienced a history parallel to that of the Serenissima, developing its own industrial and social vocation.
From dangerous activities to modern factories: the evolution of Giudecca
Since ancient times, Giudecca was chosen as the location for productive activities considered dangerous for the Serenissima, such as foundries and glassworks. Its isolated position made it ideal to keep the risks of fires or explosions away from the city. At the same time, the beauty of the landscape and the tranquility of the place attracted Venetian nobles who built villas and convents there.
With Napoleon’s arrival, many of these structures were destroyed or transformed into barracks and prisons, marking a period of decline for the island. However, the industrial revolution of the 19th century brought a new impetus to Giudecca. The ample available spaces proved perfect for the construction of modern factories, like the famous Stucky mill, a symbol of Venetian industrialization.
The Stucky mill: a symbol of an era
The construction of the Stucky mill, an imposing industrial complex intended for flour production, radically changed the landscape of the island. Around the factory, workers’ houses were built, giving rise to a real industrial community. Giudecca became an important production center, but also maintained a strong social vocation, with orphanages, family homes, and institutions for abandoned or sick children.
The industrial crisis and the future of the island
In the 20th century, the industrial crisis that hit Italy led to the closure of many factories, including the Stucky mill. Giudecca lost its productive centrality and transformed into a predominantly residential area, with an economy based on tourism. Today, the island still preserves traces of its industrial past, testifying to an era of great ferment and transformation.
A book to rediscover forgotten history
Pietro Lando’s book aims to shed light on this often forgotten history, offering an in-depth analysis of the industrial and social evolution of Giudecca. Through archive documents, testimonies, and vintage images, the author reconstructs the island’s past, highlighting its crucial role in the economic and social development of Venice.
The book presentation is a unique opportunity to deepen the knowledge of a fascinating place rich in history, and to reflect on the role of industry in the transformation of the landscape and society.
