Here you are again. Here I am again. In front of you are two buildings that look like twins. The first has been renovated because the village is alive if it is inhabited. The second one is as it has always been.

The picturesque haybarn is a perfect example of a construction method called “Blockbau” or log building, this system involves the interlocking of logs; this method saves on metal fixings which used to be very expensive. It is also a very good way of building in mountainous areas, where it was difficult to get materials and very expensive too.

The lower part is built in local stone and lime mortar prevents damp from the ground affecting the wood, with the obvious results in terms of time and money.

On the balcony “Time passes…traditions that remain”, another wood-stack, and this one is coloured. The sun and the moon embracing an hourglass. Time flies, but almost by magic not here, the sand does not run down, it has remained suspended, locking the moment. The wood-stack embodies and permeates the building that hosts it; it becomes a tradition of materials, modalities and above all men. And as you know, tradition never dies.

In short, this is Mezzano, a village that is able to go forwards, looking to the future whilst treasuring the past. It is also for this reason that the rural identity of the village is lived with strength and pride.

Now let’s do a little exercise in orientation. Between the twin buildings there is the arrow, then turn right, then left. Will I find you again? I won’t run off.