From 26 July to 21 September 2025, the historic Palazzo Guglielmi in Craveggia, nestled in Italy’s scenic Vigezzo Valley, will become the new permanent home of “Guido Dresti’s Reconstructions”, a remarkable exhibition dedicated to sundials and astronomical instruments.
Open daily from 10 am to noon and 5 pm to 7 pm, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore the intricate world of gnomonics—the ancient science of sundial design—through the handcrafted works of Guido Dresti, a renowned local artisan and expert in the field. The collection will also be accessible during Christmas and Easter holidays by prior arrangement.
A Lifetime Devoted to Time
The exhibition showcases 53 meticulously crafted pieces made by Dresti over the past 25 years, including sophisticated reconstructions of historic timekeeping devices. Among the highlights are a functioning replica of the legendary Antikythera mechanism, an equatorial clock (heliochronometer), a reproduction of Giovanni Dondi’s 14th-century Astrarium, as well as various altitude and azimuth sundials, astrolabes, and other mechanical timekeeping instruments.
Each piece is the result of years of research and craftsmanship, reflecting Dresti’s deep passion for horology and his dedication to preserving ancient knowledge. His work has previously been featured in exhibitions across Italy and Europe, from Milan to Prague, but this will be the first time his full collection is on permanent display in his hometown.
Opening Event on 26 July
The official inauguration of the exhibition will take place at 5 pm on 26 July and will feature a talk by Marisa Addomine, a noted historian of horology. A guided tour will follow, offering visitors a deeper understanding of both the instruments and the rich scientific tradition behind them.
Palazzo Guglielmi, located at 12 Via Provinciale, provides a fitting backdrop for the exhibition. Its restored interiors offer an intimate setting for the two-room display, where visitors can admire not only the technical precision of each piece but also their artistic elegance.
Organised by the Municipality of Craveggia
The initiative is led by the Municipality of Craveggia, which seeks to celebrate both local heritage and international craftsmanship. Dresti’s roots in the Ossola Valley and nearby Swiss Canton Ticino, where he has restored historical sundials and collaborated with gnomonic experts, give this exhibition a strong regional identity with global resonance.
As a contributor to the Italian Gnomonics Association and a member of La Voce di Hora, Dresti continues to engage with national and international experts in horology. His instruments not only measure time—they tell the story of a lifelong passion brought home to Craveggia.
This summer, visitors to the Vigezzo Valley can experience that story firsthand.
