The Lambertini-Mattei Ice House is not just an architectural structure of the past, but a living symbol of active citizenship and collective memory. This article explores the history and significance of this extraordinary structure, which has stood the test of time.

We spoke with Lya and Annalisa, two members of the “Salviamo la Ghiacciaia” association, who shared memories, experiences and hopes for the future of this unique place.

---

History of the site

The Lambertini-Mattei ice house is located in an area that was once a large land estate, owned by the Lambertini family. This place, which today appears like a small patch of land, was part of a vast agricultural and social system. The Lambertini family owned an extensive agricultural property, initially managed by a factor and then by farmers. This social fabric has remained rooted in the neighborhood, leaving a legacy of human relationships linked to the work of the land.

The exterior of the ice-house

Built in the second half of the 18th century, the ice-house was an advanced tool for preserving food using ice. This method, originally developed in China and spread through the migrations of people, represented not only an economic necessity but also a status symbol. The ability to store and use ice was a symbol of luxury and wealth, and the economy it generated is comparable today to the economy of oil.

The ice-house structure, built with great architectural expertise, has withstood centuries of history, including the bombings of the Second World War, during which it was partially adapted as an air raid shelter. Recently, however, storms have caused water infiltrations, especially in the parts renovated in more recent times.

---

Fight for the preservation

The history of the ice house is deeply intertwined with the determination and passion of the people who defended it. It all started with the order to fell three historic oaks, accompanied by an expert’s report (assessment?) declaring the large oak diseased. After the first tree was cut down, the community united, and the residents mobilised to save it. With a strong response from the neighborhood and citizens, reports were produced contrary to the official ones, highlighting that the oak was healthy. One condominium in particular chained himself to the tree, blocking the third felling. This symbolic protest marked a crucial moment in the fight to preserve the area.

The mobilisation did not stop here. Collected signatures, petitions, and tireless communication with newspapers, political parties and television stations attracted attention to the case, demonstrating that building speculation was hidden behind the owner’s “renovation” project. “We had banners and flyers,” Lya recalls, “all of us were in front of the gate with whistles and signs. It was a civic protest, but full of energy. I remember the owner in his Porsche, insulting us, telling us that it would be better if we went back to the kitchen. (But in the end we broke his eggs in the basket./upset his plans/upset the apple cart)”.

The banner displayed during the protests says: “Healthy Oak, No to Speculation.”

The inhabitants managed to block the project, revealing a series of irregularities and an attempt to demolish not only the surrounding greenery, but also the ice-house itself. The strength of the protest came from a combination of personal passions and the support of experts: technicians, agronomists and associations such as the WWF, who underlined the importance of the area’s ecosystem, populated by rare species such as the rhinoceros beetle.

The first impression: the newfound Ice-House

After years of battles and a long land acquisition process, the ice-house has finally been reopened to the public. “The opening day was incredible,” says Antonella. “There were elderly people who stopped to look with teary eyes, remembering the times when they played there as children. I myself remember being afraid of that place, so dark and mysterious. But today, seeing those looks full of joy was the greatest reward.”

Another significant memory concerns the construction of the balustrade and the staircase to go down into the ice-house: “Feeling the silence inside is a unique experience. You enter, close the door, and the sound is muffled. It’s like being in a womb, thrown into a suspended era.” This architectural charm is called, as Bottino says, “architecture of silence or suspended time“, a concept that makes the ice-house much more than a physical place, but a real voyage into history and culture.

Rebirth and Current Use

Today the icehouse is experiencing a new phase, going from a place for storing ice to an air-raid shelter and finally to a space for socialising and culture. The association organises cultural events, meetings with schools and nature workshops. Local schools are involved in activities that combine historical knowledge with environmental education, allowing young people to discover the local flora and fauna.

Among the events organised there are book presentations, theatrical performances, cultural meetings and awareness-raising activities on the architectural and natural heritage of the neighborhood. The ice house has also become a landmark to tell the story of the Barca district, once known as a service area, but today valued for its green and architectural heritage.

Future plans

Today the ice-house is a symbol of collective memory and good civic practices. It is used for cultural events, educational workshops for schools and community meetings. The future objective is to expand the membership base, involving more and more people to spread the value of this achievement.

Lya and Annalisa inside the ice-house

“What strikes those who visit the ice house,” concludes Annalisa, “is that normal people were able to do such a great thing. It’s a positive story that inspires everyone who listens.”

---

Article written by Salvatore Di Marzo, EAN Activator from Italy

Photos from Andrea Panadori