Roman kiln of Massinigo

The kiln, dating back to the 3rd century BC and discovered in 1957, was found during the construction of the elementary school. The Roman kiln of Massinigo is one of the best preserved in Lombardy and the only one, so far, identified in the Oltrepò Pavese.

Circular in shape, it is built with stone foundations and brick walls. The perforated cooking floor, with a diameter of 4.10 meters, is supported by a vaulted corridor connecting orthogonal walls set on the floor in the combustion chamber. It was likely used for the production of building materials, as evidenced by remains of such materials (mainly roof tiles) found during the excavation.

Archaeomagnetic analysis indicates that the last use of the structure dates back to the early 1st century AD (around 20 AD ± 20 years). It is the only archaeological document currently known in the area, so it remains unknown when and by whom the kiln was built and to which settlement or rural establishment it was connected.

The recent renovation of the school building, carried out by the local administration with the support of the Lombardy Region - Productive Activities - and the Cariplo Foundation - Milan, allows for better public access, including for educational purposes, to this monument of exceptional interest in the Oltrepò Pavese.

Municipality of S. Margherita di Staffora, in collaboration with Dr. Invernizzi - Archaeological Superintendence of Milan.