Maniago, located along the foothills of Western Friuli, has always played a crucial role in the transportation routes connecting the plains to the mountain passes, thanks to its strategic position. The earliest signs of human presence in the area date back to the Neolithic period, with findings in the cave known as Bus da li Anguani, situated at the foot of Mount San Lorenzo. Over the centuries, Maniago has seen the settlement of various populations, including the Lombards, Romans, and Celts. The name "Maniago" is likely linked to a local landowner from the Roman era, dating back to the founding of Aquileia in 181 BC.
The documented history of the town begins in 981 when Emperor Otto II confirmed the possessions of the Patriarchate of Aquileia, including the court called Maniacus. Two centuries later, in 1195, the lords of Maniago received the fief from the Patriarch, maintaining jurisdiction until 1420 when Venetian troops conquered the castle. From that point on, Maniago's history is tied to that of Friuli, passing through the dominion of the Serenissima Republic and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1866.
Maniago's fortune largely stems from the skill of its blacksmiths, who have made the town an excellence in metalworking. In 1453, Nicolò di Maniago obtained permission from the Venetian Water Magistrate to channel water from the Colvera River, allowing the construction of mills, sawmills, and hammer mills, where agricultural tools and weapons for the Serenissima troops were produced.
As the centuries passed, artisanal production evolved. Around the 18th century, the figure of the "favri da fin" emerged, a craftsman specialized in producing smaller cutting tools such as scissors and knives. The spread of artisanal workshops intensified, moving beyond the need for nearby hammer mills.
In 1907, Maniago entered the industrial age with the opening of the first large factory, CO.RI.CA.MA., marking the beginning of mass production of cutting tools, thanks to the use of electric machinery. This factory employed over 500 people and represented a turning point in the economic history of the town.
Today, Maniago is the center of the Knife District, comprising nine municipalities and employing around a thousand workers in the production of cutting tools. The town meets a large portion of the national demand and boasts strong exports to European and American markets. Its history is well-documented in the Museum of Metalworking and Cutlery, where visitors can explore the rich artisanal and industrial heritage of Maniago, which continues to thrive through tradition and innovation.
Mario D'Aurizio
