Comune Valenza

via Pellizzari, 2 - 15048 Valenza (AL)
Tel. +39 (0131) 949.111
Fax: +39 (0131) 955.587
E-mail: segreteria.sindaco@comune.valenza.al.it
http://www.comune.valenza.al.it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xQ2LqdDCuA

Valenza is widely known as one of the world capitals of handcrafted jewellery: in 1840, Vincenzo Morosetti began this industry there, and after decades of growth, there are now scores of workshops that create jewels of every kind, one-off and exclusive pieces that combine local tradition and international design. The most prestigious maisons of the sector, Bulgari and Damiani, have transferred their headquarters to Valenza to produce small masterpieces and to train the jewellers of the future. Fairs and temporary exhibitions are held periodically dedicated to jewellery and its history, in the 19th century Villa Scalcabarozzi and the Exhibition Centre near the entrance to the town. In the main square of Valenza, dedicated to the XXI Martiri, stands the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, with sober 17th-century shapes that preserve a beautiful painting by Moncalvo, Our Lady of the Rosary, and a small collection of documents and articles of sacred art. On the opposite side of the square is Palazzo Valentino, once the headquarters of the old town hall and today Library and town’s Cultural Centre. It was built in the late 18th century, to the design of Vincenzo Lombardo, and renovated during the 1960s by the architect of Valenza, Pier Massimo Stanchi, maintaining some parts of the old town hall. A new architectural structure in concrete and visible bricks was added, according to a charming and daring solution that envisages circular stairs that climb upwards starting from the ancient courtyard, lit by radial skylights.