This industrial archaeology complex, located between the Brentella canal and the Nasson torrent, was built over several different periods, with a number of extensions and alterations that have not, however, seriously affected the original structure. Although it is still used for various manufacturing activities, no trace remains of the original hemp spinning business that went on in the complex, other than the series of architectural elements connected with the various stages of the process.  The seven main buildings were once used for carding, combing, twisting, spinning, packing and delivery of the hemp. The buildings used for production have a punctiform bearing structure and are connected by corridors; they can be distinguished from the storage buildings by the structural differences: the storerooms have masonry pillars and wooden trusses, while in the areas used for production the columns are in cast iron, with shed-type roofs. The first industrial establishment was set up here following the purchase in 1882 of the mill and sawmill of the Guillon-Mangilli family on the part of Andrea Antonini and another four partners; just a year later, the plant employed 700 workers. The factory premises were extended towards the north in 1901, following the purchase of a new plant, and towards the south in 1908; the establishment changed hands in 1920 when it was bought over by the Lanificio e Canapificio Nazionale, and closed down for good in 1967. A number of the buildings in the complex house the Tipoteca Italiana with its “Museum of Printing and Print Characters”, of international importance for the preservation and study of the art of printing.

The centre of Crocetta can be reached by coming off the SR348 al the large junction that serves Cornuda in one direction and in the other Crocetta, at km 26. From here, continue along Via S. Anna for about 900 m until the bridge over the canal. Before the bridge, take right into Via Canapificio, which leads into the area of the former factory.

ACCESSIBLE: yes
MUNICIPALITY: Crocetta del Montello - Cornuda
PLACE: Crocetta del Montello
GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATES: X 1735468 - Y 5079954
PROVINCE: TV

FILE COMPILED BY: Antoniol

A few metres south of the edge of the factory is Villa Ancillotto, once a spinnery and now the Civic Museum of Crocetta del Montello.

A. Bondesan, G. Caniato, F. Vallerani, M. Zanetti, Il Piave, 2000
D. Zadra, Il Canapificio Veneto a Crocetta del Montello, in Archeologia industriale nel Veneto, Cinisello Balsamo, 1990