Workshop | Woven Histories: Threads, Embroidery and Medieval Garments
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days 2025, on Sunday 28 September, the Castelseprio Archaeological Park and Antiquarium opens its doors to scientific research and the discovery of nature.
The Fondazione Arte della Seta Lisio, in collaboration with the Castelseprio Archaeological Park and Antiquarium, proposes a workshop day dedicated to ancient weaving and embroidery techniques, aimed at promoting artistic crafts connected to archaeological heritage.
The workshop is part of the activities funded within the “Open eventi verdi” project, one of the 4 projects of ECO ART Digital R-Evolution for Sustainability,. These projects are funded by the PNRR – European Union – NextGenerationEU and are dedicated to promoting the digital and green transition of cultural events within the framework of the PNRR.
Date and time: Sunday 28 September, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Venue: Castelseprio Archaeological Park and Antiquarium
21050 Castelseprio (Varese), Italy
Free event
Among the archaeological remains of Castelseprio, adults and children will be able to explore the daily life and textile techniques of the Lombards through live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and historical reconstructions.
The workshop is open to families, history enthusiasts, students, researchers, and visitors of all ages. Throughout the day, participants will embark on a journey into the past through threads, fabrics, embroidery, and weaving, discovering how the Lombards and the inhabitants of Castelseprio dressed during the Early Middle Ages.
A valuable opportunity to experience first-hand the material and technical heritage of the Early Medieval period within an extraordinary archaeological setting.
The activities include:
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Tablet weaving: explanation and demonstration of weaving patterns; participants can try their hand at a basic weaving technique; introduction to Early Medieval textile types through sample materials.
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Loom weaving with tablets: explanation and demonstration of the technique; in-depth exploration of Early Medieval and Lombard weaving traditions; reconstruction based on the fragment from Tomb 196 of Santa Maria Foris Portas.
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Early Medieval embroidery: explanation and demonstration; reconstruction of the embroidery from the so-called Queen Bathilde’s overgarment.
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Historical tailoring: practical demonstration of the construction of a tunic and other Lombard-period clothing elements; reconstruction of Agilulf's image on the Bargello lamina garment based on the depiction preserved in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello.
🔗 Discover more about the European Heritage Days 2025
🔗 Event on the website of the Castelseprio Archaeological Park and Antiquarium
The workshop is part of the projects funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU within the framework of the PNRR, promoted by the Ministry of Culture.
Mission 1 – Digitalisation, Innovation, Competitiveness, Culture and Tourism
Investment 3.3 – “Capacity Building for Cultural Operators to Manage the Digital and Green Transition”
Sub-investment 3.3.3 – “Promoting the Reduction of the Environmental Footprint of Cultural Events by Encouraging the Inclusion of Social and Environmental Criteria in Public Procurement Policies, Steering the Supply Chain Towards Eco-Innovation in Products and Services” (Action B I).
B1 – Project 1: Open Green Events . Score: 94 points Objectives: Development of an ecosystem capable of promoting, supporting, identifying, testing, and implementing innovative tools and activities; enhancing best practices; and fostering collaboration in the creation and experimentation of models and approaches for the digital and green transition. (PNRR M1C3 – Action B1)
Project ID: 0230003368388/1 CUP: C31B23000390004