INDUSTRY, ENVIRONMENT, AND TERRITORIAL IDENTITY: THE HISTORY OF THE GARDONE FORGES INSIDE THE WEAPONS MUSEUM Industria, ambiente e identità territoriale: la storia delle Fucine di Gardone all’interno del Museo delle Armi

Abstract The forges of Gardone Val Trompia constitute a significant case study within the industrial archaeology of the Valle Trompia, characterized by a continuous metallurgical and arms manufacturing tradition since the Late Middle Ages. These hydraulic-powered production sites, exploiting the kinetic energy of the Mella River, were instrumental in advancing ironworking technologies and the manufacturing processes of edged and firearms. The spatial organization of the forges, embedded in a culturally and environmentally transformed landscape, reflects complex interactions between industrial activity, natural resources, and socio-economic structures. This study critically examines ongoing conservation methodologies and valorization frameworks, with particular emphasis on the Museum of Arms and Armory Tradition’s role in archiving technical documentation, material culture, and facilitating knowledge dissemination through targeted educational programs. The research underscores the necessity for integrated heritage management strategies that promote sustainable adaptive reuse, ensuring the preservation of technical and historical values while supporting regional cultural and socio-economic revitalization