Marozzo water pumping station - Casa della Memoria
Timetable
Open only during events
The Marozzo water pumping station is a drainage pumping system located in Marozzo di Lagosanto along the Volano branch of the Po River.
At the end of the 19th century, in the area of Ferrara then managed by the Consorzio di Bonifica del II Circondario Polesine di San Giorgio (San Giorgio Polesine District II Land Reclamation Consortium), a mechanical land reclamation project was planned for the Grande Valle Gallare. It is documented that a commission of technicians made a “study” trip to Holland to examine the most advanced hydraulic works in the sector for this project.
In 1873, the Marozzo water pumping station was built and the ‘pump wheels’ purchased from Stork & C. of Hengelo in Rotterdam were put into operation.
The plant, initially powered by steam, underwent several modifications and upgrades as the neighboring Trebba and Ponti Lagoons were connected to the Gallare Lagoons.
The complex continued to operate uninterruptedly until 1986, when the deterioration of the structures led to its decommissioning and abandonment.
The task of protecting the reclaimed lagoons was entrusted to a new, modern water pumping station, built in the immediate vicinity.
The old water pumping station now houses the herbarium of the Lagosanto area in the adjacent building.
The water pumping station area also houses the “Casa della memoria” (House of Memory).
This is the first museum exhibition as part of a larger project that involves the complete structural restoration of the former Marozzo water pumping station to turn it into a museum and documentation centre for mechanical land reclamation. The exhibition is particularly innovative in that it is accessible to both visually and physically impaired visitors, which is why it has received the patronage of the RAI Social Secretariat.
