In the enchanting setting of the main square of Colle Santa Lucia, not far from the center towards the breath-taking panoramic terrace with the beautiful church of the village, lies the splendid historic Chizzali-Bonfadini palace, also known locally as “Cesa de Jan” [Jan’s House]; it is an ancient building that in the past belonged to the administrator of the Fursil Mines and which is characterized by the wonderful iron grating at the windows , made with the iron coming from Monte Pore and the Fursil Mines.
The palace is furthermore adorned with marvelous frescos and it is the seat of the most important cultural institution of Colle Santa Lucia, that is the “Istitut Ladin Cultural Cesa de Jan” (Cesa de Jan Cultural Ladin institute). The ethnographic museum Cesa de Jan is a commendable cultural organization that deals with the preservation and promotion of the Ladin heritage of the Municipality of Colle Santa Lucia, this is to say of the customs, tradition, history and peculiarities of the village. Until 1923 indeed Colle Santa Lucia belonged to the Austrian-Hungarian Empire as part of the Tyrol and it was annexed to Italy after the Great War.
In addition to a rich collection of publications and a rich program of guided visits of the Fursil Mines, the Istitut Ladin Cultural Cesa de Jan offers an interesting ethnographic museum inside the Chizzali-Bonfadini Palace; the exhibition is divided in 4 thematic rooms that deal with some specific aspects of the culture and traditions of Colle Santa Lucia: there’s a section dedicated to the “stua” [called in Tyrol “Stube”], the traditional wooden living room of the ancient houses of the Dolomites. In the “stua”, guests can admire also some typical Ladin dresses and costumes. The second section is the so-called “Ciauna da Marangon” and it is dedicated to the traditional woodworking. The third section deals with the “Caligar”, that is the shoemaker. The last one is dedicated completely to the Fursil Mines.
The Museum of the Istitut Cultural Ladin Cesa de Jan is open all year long with the following opening times: Monday: 09.00-12.30; Tuesday: 09.00-12.30 and 15.00-17.00; Wednesday: 09.00-12.30 and 15.00-17.00; Thursday: 09.00-12.30; Friday: 09.00-12.30 and 15.00-17.00.