Torviscosa
Welcome to Torviscosa: the company town
Welcome to Torviscosa! This small town in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, with its population of 2,652 people, is a unique example of a company town in Italy. Its history is linked to the establishment of SNIA Viscosa, which built a large industrial plant for the production of pulp for textile fibers. The old town center, built between 1938 and 1960 by SNIA Viscosa, is characterized by rationalist style, typical of the fascist period, and the planning of a city functional to the company's needs.
The history of Torviscosa
However, the history of Torviscosa dates much further back. The first mention of the area was in 1278, when it was referred to as "Zuino." The territory was rich in water and, without canalization efforts, was at risk of becoming marshy. The Savorgnan counts, owners of the area between 1344 and 1818, carried out the first reclamation works at the end of the seventeenth century, giving birth to the new village of Torre di Zuino. Here, a church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta was also built in 1727.
Until 1915, Torre di Zuino was the last Italian location before the border with Austria-Hungary, whose ancient boundary is still remembered by a plaque. During the First World War, the area was heavily damaged and occupied by the Austrians until the end of the conflict in 1918.
In 1920, the territory was subject to the integral reclamation law, and starting from 1929, the Consortium for the land transformation of the Bassa Friulana, directed by Cesare Mori, coordinated new reclamation projects.
The settlement of SNIA Viscosa
In 1937, SNIA Viscosa began purchasing land around Torre di Zuino to start a large-scale cultivation of Arundo donax, the common reed, from which they could obtain the cellulose needed for their production of textile fibers. SNIA purchased around 1,400 hectares of land that had already been reclaimed and cultivated to plant the reed's rhizomes.
In the course of 1938, SNIA also acquired the tenancy of Malisana and the tenancy of Torre di Zuino, of around 550 hectares and 990 hectares respectively. The latter was formally established only in 1940.
The planning of the company town
SNIA Viscosa planned a new urban settlement functional to their needs, through the creation of a managerial center, an industrial area, and a civic center. The old town center, built between 1938 and 1960, is characterized by the presence of numerous public buildings, such as the church of San Pietro apostolo and the town hall, and by the Piazza del Popolo, the main square of Torviscosa.
The largest building in the town is the large chemical plant of SNIA Viscosa, which dominates the industrial area. Over the years, the company created their infrastructure, such as the elementary school, sports center, and childcare center.
The artistic heritage
Torviscosa is a unique example of a company town in Italy, but not only that: it also has a great artistic heritage. The church of San Pietro apostolo, built between 1951 and 1963, contains various works of art, including the large wooden crucifix of Friulian school of the seventeenth century and the statue of the Saint that rocks the world by Ugo Zannoni.
The church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in 1727, features a precious eighteenth-century wooden choir and a polychrome marble high altar. Even the Piazza del Popolo, the pulsating heart of the company town, is characterized by the presence of some public works of art, including the statue of Saint Francis of Assisi and the monument to the fallen of SNIA Viscosa, created by Francesco Messina.
A town to discover
Torviscosa is a town to discover, a unique example of a company town in Italy and a great artistic heritage. The town's history, linked to the establishment of SNIA Viscosa, is still visible in the planning of the old town center and the presence of the company's structures. But Torviscosa is also much more, a vibrant town that can offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
