Itinerario 22

Also called ‘u sabbilimientu bruciatu” (the burnt factory), or is the Mannara of Monatalbano for visitors, the imposing Fornace Penna was commissioned by Baron Penna and built to a design by engineer Ignazio Emmolo in 1912. It is an imposing structure that overlooks the blue sea of southern Sicily. Equipped with an Hoffmann oven, it was one of the most advanced industries in the south and produced bricks, producing ten thousand pieces a day between bricks and tiles sold in many Mediterranean countries. With its basilical plant, the Fornace tends to resemble an ancient church rather than a factory. On one side was built the chimney, around it, surrounded by vineyards, was carved a large space where to let dry the bricks before being marketed. Penna Furnace employed a hundred people from the lower classes, many of the workers were little more than teenagers. On January 26, 1924, an arson attack completely destroyed it. Vain was the attempt of the sailors of Sampieri, the farmers of the neighboring funds and the many workers, who tried to extinguish the stake that still remains obscure. Suspicions of political revenge, possible motivations of competition intertwine in a canvas that covers the mystery. The truth went up in smoke with the Furnace. «They took away the bread of so many workers they didn’t take anything from me», commented Baron Penna the news of the fire at the Furnace. Since that day the Penna Furnace resists a few steps from the sea, whipped by the winds and salt that occasionally cause some collapses.