The ice-shelters of Cazzago Brabbia
Consolidated local traditions of fishing in Lake Varese led to this type of building becoming very common, and they are now distinctive features of the village.
The ice-shelters of Cazzago Brabbia, known in the local dialect as "giazzér", have a long and fascinating history, and they contributed to the changes that occurred in the environment over previous centuries. The shelters were built entirely in stone in the late 18th century, on the banks of Lake Varese, in excavated hollows about ten metres deep. They have conical roofs, similar to the "trulli" that can be seen in some Apulian locations.
These constructions were built to store ice and fish from Lake Varese.
The ice-stores were filled with blocks of ice, taken from the lake in winter. During this season, Lake Varese used to ice over completely, and it was at this time that the Cazzago fishermen cut blocks of ice using axes, and dragged them into their boats using hooks.
These blocks of ice were then covered in blankets and brought into the ice-stores, where the ice could be preserved for a whole year.
The ice-shelters of Cazzago Brabbia, known in the local dialect as "giazzér", have a long and fascinating history, and they contributed to the changes that occurred in the environment over previous centuries. The shelters were built entirely in stone in the late 18th century, on the banks of Lake Varese, in excavated hollows about ten metres deep. They have conical roofs, similar to the "trulli" that can be seen in some Apulian locations.
These constructions were built to store ice and fish from Lake Varese.
The ice-stores were filled with blocks of ice, taken from the lake in winter. During this season, Lake Varese used to ice over completely, and it was at this time that the Cazzago fishermen cut blocks of ice using axes, and dragged them into their boats using hooks.
These blocks of ice were then covered in blankets and brought into the ice-stores, where the ice could be preserved for a whole year.
