The origin of this locality’s name is probably due to the existance of a small iron workshop. After all, in Ceserana in the 15th and 16th century there was an important iron foundry found along the Ceserano stream, in a locality now named “La Sega”. The river Serchio valley has been home to a thriving iron and steel business until 1300. The present or past names of many villages attest this fact (Fabbriche di Vallico, Fabbriche di Careggine, Fabbriche di Gello, Fabbriche di Piegaio, Fornovolasco). In particular in 1500 the village of Fornovolasco was probably the most important pole for iron and steel industry in central Italy. The iron foundry in Ceserana was cited for the first time in a document in 1497. It was a secondary one, but it had a good location, along the main route Fornovolasco – Modena. In Ceserana were made both finished products such as nails, gratings and tools and semi-finished products as iron bands and bars. After a period of abandonment, the foundry was rebuilt and enlarged. It was re opened with all pomp and circumstance on June 27th 1524. It was closed in 1537, but opened again in 1556. The foundry is also mentioned in other papers on the production of cannon balls and other pieces of artillery in 1582 and 1584. Afterwards it was definitely closed and the building was used for other purposes.
