Agnone is a town where history blends with the art of metalworking, especially copper craftsmanship. Since the Samnite era, this precious metal was used to craft armor, statues, and inscriptions. However, it was in 1404, when Agnone became a Royal City, that copper became the heart of its economy, closely tied to transhumance and trade with neighboring regions.
By the 18th century, Agnone boasted nearly 200 artisans specializing in copper craftsmanship, including boilermakers, tinsmiths, and merchants, all operating under strict regulations to ensure high-quality production. The boom in copperworking led to the rise of numerous foundries along the Verrino River, harnessing water power to drive machinery. During the Aragonese period, Agnone became a true capital of copper craftsmanship, with five major foundries supplying over 180 workshops.
With the rise of industrialization, this glorious tradition declined, yet remnants of Agnone’s golden age still stand today. The historic foundries of San Quirico, restored in 1986, offer a rare glimpse into the town’s legendary craftsmanship. Exploring these sites means stepping back in time to an era when Agnone’s copperware was renowned throughout the Kingdom of Naples.