Ancient Manifattura dei Marinati is an important piece of the history of Comacchio (Ferrara), because it restarted the processing cycle of eels and acquadelle. It is active as a factory for several months a year and as a museumoffering a historical itinerary.
The processing of eels has historically been a distinguishing feature of the lagoon city, so the reclaiming of the grandiose factory complex in the historic centre of Comacchio was key to the rebirth of the industry.
Eels, caught in the brackish valleys surrounding the city, have been processed and preserved with a marinating process unchanged through the centuries. In the past, multiple families would marinade the eels for the Azienda Valli. In the early 20th century, processing became a priority for the company, along with fish farming, surveillance, internal administration and sales. This activity lasted for over 60 years, involving a large number of workers in the processing period.
Today the Manifattura dei Marinati covers over 1,600 m2: it features the fire room, the heart of the entire complex, which houses 12 fireplaces interspersed with niches that are to process "marinated eel from the Valli di Comacchio” as in the past; the calata or pit, where the boats would arrive filled with eels and fish; and the vinegar room, with its vats and barrels, which is also preserved in its original state.
The complex now houses the Museo dell'Anguilla which recounts the deep bond of the people of Comacchio with the products of their water; an experience that evokes the daily gestures of life in the past, women chatting by the fire as they dosed vinegar, water, salt and bay leaves to create the perfect brine. Manifattura dei Marinati di Comacchio is part of the circuit of the Musei del Gusto dell'Emilia-Romagna.
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