Schio was at the centre of the first industrial revolution in Italy, at the end of the 1800s. It is known as the “Manchester of Italy” because it was the focal point of the northern wool trade like the British city. The old factories survive today as part of a rich heritage of industrial archaeology. Schio has also recently started hosting the “British Day” – a weekend, that is, in which the city declares itself properly British.
Villa Rossi was the house of Alessandro Rossi, a local wool businessman, member of the national Parliament, and key figure in the first industrial revolution in Italy. Owner of wool and textile factory Lanerossi, Alessandro understood that, in order to succeed, industry must become part of the local social fabric by improving the living conditions of its work force, a conviction he acquired following the developments in the British and French workers’ union movements at the time. To this end, he set out to create works of social value, such as, among others, the Asilo Rossi, a nursery for the pre-school children of his workers, an evening school to promote literacy among his work force, and an Industrial School in Vicenza, to create highly specialised workers and heads of department.
Fabbrica Saccardo is an industrial estate covering around ten thousand square metres, and was originally set up to produce parts for mechanical looms and other machines, such as bobbins, shuttles, and so on. Subsequently, a hydroelectric power plant was built on site, in order to exploit the nearby creek Orco to generate electricity necessary for the surrounding industries.
The factory ceased production and was abandoned in the 60s, and fell into decay. In the 80s, a small consortium of local businesses set out to bring the estate back to life, and turned it into a space for offices, laboratories, and events.