1. FONDAZIONE VILLA FABRIS
Centro Europeo per i Mestieri del Patrimonio
Centre Europeen pour les Metiers du Patrimoine
European Centre for Heritage Crafts and Professions
Europäisches Zentrum für die Berufe in der Denkmalpflege

2. Established in 1976
on the initiative of
the
Council of Europe,
the aim of the
European Centre is
to promote the
knowledge of old
crafts and the
preservation of
architectural
heritage.

3. In 2007 the Centre moved to Villa Fabris in Thiene, in the province of
Vicenza, an XVIII century villa surrounded by a large park.
In 2008 the Fondazione Villa Fabris took over
the managing of the Centre.

4. The charm of Venice helped to draw participants
from all over the world.

5. Vicenza as well is rich in artistic heritage, thanks to the works of Andrea Palladio.
Here's a glimpse of the Teatro Olimpico.

6. And the province of Vicenza is no exception: here is the floor of the stables of the Castle Porto
Colleoni in Thiene, the city where the Center moved in 2007.

7. Villa Fabris is part of an XVIII century architectonic complex in the very centre of Thiene.

8. Here is the great hall at the first
floor …
… with a pleasant view on the green park.

9. The hall at the
ground floor gives
direct access to the
courtyard and the
park.
In the workshops there are a show-room and
6 working sites equipped with high
technology tools and devices.

10. Fondazione Villa Fabris
Founders:
Association of Craftsmen of the Province of Vicenza
Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts of Vicenza
Ce.s.ar (Centre for the development of Crafts)
City of Schio
City of Thiene

11. Activities
• Intensive courses and Workshops for more than 50 techniques
• Specilization courses in the conservation of architectural heritage
• Counseling and collaboration in the field of conservation
• Experience in working sites and companies
• Services

12. Christopher
Greyson, General
secretary of the
Culture
Committee of
the Council of
Europe.
In 2008 Baroness Hooper and Christopher Greyson from the Council of Europe have honored the Center
of their visit, and subsequently presented the Recommendation n. 1851 in which the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe recognizes the crucial role played by the Center in Heritage
conservation.

13. Baroness Gloria
Hooper, President of
the Culture
Committee of the
Council of Europe.

14. Intensive courses focus on improving the mastery of traditional crafts and modern know-how
The aim is on one hand to trasmit to new generations the know-how and,on the other hand, to
introduce new technologies into the practice site.

15. The courses are essentially practical and are run by specialists with proven professionalism.
​
Classes are held in one of the four languages of the Centre: Italian, French, English and German. Attendance
is obligatory for at least 80% and at the end of the course a certificate of attendance is issued.

16. A good knowledge of the basic working techniques of a craft or an experience in
manual work are necessary to be admitted to the courses.

17. Courses concern the
materials composing
architectural herita
stone, wood, plaster a
stucco, painting a
me

21. One of the strengths of
Center remains the
three-month course on
the conservation of
architectural heritage.
The course is supported
by a system of
international
scholarships and takes
place once a year.
The theoretical lectures
are interdisciplinary,
while the practical
exercises are held in the
workshops close to the
Center or in school-sites
depending on the area
of specialization.
Excursions and guided
tours to Venice,
Florence, Treviso,
Vicenza and Bassano
are also included.

22. Training is oriented
towards the
understanding of the
concepts of conservation
as internationally
conceived and their
application in specific
areas.
Teaching focuses on the
comparison and selection
of the different
techniques of
intervention for
integration and
replacements, treatment,
supports and any use of
appropriate materials.

24. Since 2010, the
Center offers its
participants the
opportunity to stay
in a guesthouse
with kitchen and
private parking,
just at a few
minutes’ walk.

28. www.villafabris.eu