A Unique Heritage of Trentino

Warmth, craftsmanship and Alpine identity

Nestled on the Predaia Plateau, the village of Sfruz preserves one of the finest artisanal traditions in the Alpine region: the creation of tiled ceramic stoves, known locally as stufe a olle. These remarkable pieces enrich the cultural heritage of the village and offer visitors a fascinating journey into local craftsmanship.

An ancient Trentino craft

Between the 16th and 19th centuries, Sfruz was one of the most renowned centres for producing glazed majolica stoves. Each piece was handcrafted, decorated with floral patterns, religious symbols, inscriptions and dates, and exported throughout Tyrol, South Tyrol, Bavaria, and even Central Europe.

These stoves were not mere household items— they were authentic works of art, reflecting the prestige and social status of the families who commissioned them.

Artistic and technical features

The tiled stoves of Sfruz stand out for:

Glazed ceramic tiles in green, blue or ivory tones
Raised decorations with geometric and floral motifs
Commemorative inscriptions, artisan signatures and dates
A brick inner structure designed to retain and release heat slowly

Some historic inscriptions include: “Warm yourselves, ladies, for warmth revives the heart – 1784” and: “Lorenzo Recla commissioned this – 17 September 1784”.

Where to see them today

Today, the tiled stoves of Sfruz can be admired:

In the village centre, inside a protective glass structure
In private collections and historic homes across the Val di Non
In museum exhibitions dedicated to Alpine craftsmanship

Photo Gallery

Tiled stove from 1727 with floral motifs and raised inscription — Tiled stove from 1727 with raised inscription and floral decorations.

Tiled stove from Sfruz with intertwined and dotted arabesques — Stove featuring intertwined and dotted arabesque motifs.

Light-blue tiled stove from Sfruz dated 1760 — Delicately painted light-blue stove dated 1760.

Light-blue tiled stove from Sfruz dated 1784 — Light-blue tiled stove dated 1784.

Historical inscription on tiled stove from Sfruz dated 1784 — Inscription: “Warm yourselves, ladies, for warmth revives the heart – Sfruz 1784”.

Historical inscription by Lorenzo Recla, tiled stove dated 1784 — Inscription: “Lorenzo Recla of Malè commissioned this – 7 September 1784”.

Sfruz tiled stove dated 1786 with initials G.B. — Tiled stove dated 1786 featuring the initials G.B.

Baroque-style tiled stove from Sfruz with square base and tower element — Baroque-style stove with a square base and tower top.

White tiled stove from Sfruz decorated with Greek key pattern — White tiled stove with decorative Greek-key pattern.

White tiled stove from Sfruz with decorative elements, 18th century — White stove featuring refined decorative elements.

Greenish-blue tiled stove from Sfruz, 18th century — Stove painted in the traditional “green tending toward sky-blue” shade.

Large green tiled stove from Sfruz — Large green stove at maximum size.

Green tiled stove with white triangle and family crest, from Sfruz — Green stove with a white triangle motif and family crest.

Green tiled stove made for the parish house of Sfruz — Green stove crafted specifically for the parish house of Sfruz.

Simple and affordable tiled stove from Sfruz, 18th century — Simple and more affordable “muletto” stove.

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A cultural discovery during your holiday

This page is part of the cultural experience curated by Casa Predaia, offering guests a richer, more authentic stay. Exploring the story of these stoves is a wonderful opportunity to dive into local traditions, Alpine heritage and the artistry of Trentino ceramics. A holiday that warms the heart—inside and out.

The Tiled Stoves of Sfruz