If you continue uphill to the right, you will find the other two “stol.” I’ll leave you to the information panel for more details.

If, instead, you choose the more comfortable option and head downhill, following the little stream of running water—though be careful where you place your feet on the salesà—you will approach the Tabià de la Marì.

Please note: the water from that little fountain is not drinking water.

The Tabià de la Marì has become a fascinating private ethnographic museum thanks to the passion of Mary Orler, Rico’s daughter, and her desire to make the old belongings she inherited, as well as those donated by many people, available to everyone.

The help of Albino Bond was invaluable. After spending fifty years as an emigrant in Australia, he returned home and became the curator, caretaker and guide to this ancient world.

Entering on the ground floor, you can lose yourself among memories: photographs, work tools, embroidery, and a corner of a traditional home filled with plates, crockery, pots, coffee grinders, and everything needed to set the table.

Mary had always worked as a seamstress and had a large collection of clothes, including traditional folk costumes—at the time, these were the clothes worn on special occasions.

The old wardrobe contained three types of clothing:

• the work clothes, simple and often well-worn;
• the “de palot” outfit, worn on occasions requiring a certain degree of respect;
• the festive outfit, worn for Mass, weddings and all the most important celebrations.

Naturally, there were different versions for summer and winter.

Upstairs, a late-nineteenth-century room has been reconstructed. The bed was the parish priest’s. You will find household linens, religious images, first-aid equipment, and a cradle with dolls.

In the other corner are all the tools once used to beat and spin flax, hemp and wool.

Also worth noticing is the ceiling above the loom: it is original and comes from an old house in Mezzano.

Let yourself be lulled by the memories and find yourself again in one of these objects.

Take your time.

When you step back into the bright light outside, perhaps feeling a little reborn, I’ll be there waiting for you.