The Stonecutters of Cenova

It would be an understatement to define Cenova's stonemasons as "stone cutters"; because they were real artists who did not just cut and square the slate but created true works of art with it.

The stonemasons worked, as well as in the neighboring valleys, also in Val Roja, from Tenda to Briga. That of the stonemasons is called a school, because it shows common characteristics and processing styles: in reality there were shops led by a master builder, usually the head of the family, while the children played the role of apprentices and gradually learned the art of their fathers. The most important families of the school were the Valenzo and Arrigo families. The stonemasons spread in the Rezzo valley towards the end of the fifteenth century: the first works attributable to them are simple but over time they acquired better and more refined techniques and skills, which allowed them to obtain important commissions.

Even today their works embellish both the private homes of wealthy families and the churches; the archways were undoubtedly the most requested but the lintels, tombs and ornamental motifs of the noble palaces are also numerous. The works of the stonemasons of Cenova were characterized by representations of vases of flowers, fruits, cornucopias, cups, chalices, heraldic shields, lion heads, dragons and dolphins.

Their presence began to decrease towards the beginning of the seventeenth century, until, unfortunately, it disappeared. However, their works have challenged time for centuries and can still be admired.

Cenova is a true open-air museum: walking through the alleys you come across the art of stonemasons: the most emblematic works are found in the sacristy of the parish church. To know the way of working, the tools and the materials, you can visit the museum and if you wish to commission a small or large work, you can turn to Mrs. Nadia Albavera who continues this tradition!