Magic and symbolism in the Alchemist’s House
The Dolomites lend themselves to being a fertile territory for myths, legends and stories of magic, linked above all to the beauty and history of the mountains.
It was in this very area, during the rule of the Venetian Republic, that a fugitive, condemned to death in Alexandria for experimenting with alchemical practices, found refuge.
In the Alchemist’s House Museum in Valdenogher di Tambre, the spaces where the exiled nobleman used to devote himself to his magic in peace and tranquillity have been reconstructed.
The dwelling has been divided into three floors that symbolically represent the three stages of colour change of the metal to obtain the famous Philosopher’s Stone.
Thus we find the black of the Nigredo stage, the white symbol of purification and sublimation (Albedo) and finally the colour red, reminiscent of the phoenix and thus of the recomposition of matter (Rubedo).
Admission to the museum is free and guided tours can also be booked for the weekend. For enthusiasts there is a small library with texts dedicated to Alchemy.
In collaboration with Monica Sandi,
Culture and Tourism Office, Territorial School-Work Alternation Chamber of Commerce of Treviso – Belluno|Dolomites
Translated by Dr Giada Gubert
Intern at the Chamber of Commerce of Treviso – Belluno |Dolomites
