EVENT LOG: MONTANARO BRICKS 2025

 

On Sunday, March 30th, 2025, the third edition of Montanaro Brick took place, an event organized by Oltre Brick. It is a festival deeply rooted in the Canavese area, and I have been participating since the very beginning with my creations.

The first year, I brought a city covering about 4 square meters, made entirely of my own creations — you won’t find a single building from official LEGO® sets.

At the second edition, I showcased my latest work, The Revenge of the Dragon, and this time it was the turn of the fantasy diorama titled Towerdge.

The latter is the oldest of the three, but that doesn’t make it any less loved, especially by children. When they ask me to bring it somewhere, I rarely say no. For the occasion, I even restored it, adding half a linear meter of display space.

In this diorama, I tell the classic story of the forces of good — the ELVES® — opposing an invasion by the forces of evil. These are represented by an army borrowed from the villains of Nexo Knights®, who enslave the goblins before continuing their incursion into elven territory.

Toweredge by Fraccalvieri Giuseppe

Toweredge by Fraccalvieri Giuseppe

Toweredge by Fraccalvieri Giuseppe

Toweredge by Fraccalvieri Giuseppe

Toweredge by Fraccalvieri Giuseppe

Toweredge by Fraccalvieri Giuseppe

Toweredge by Fraccalvieri Giuseppe

Andrea Caboni joined me for three consecutive editions, and as usual, he brought activities designed to entertain children, gathered under the brand Andrea Brickoso. But that’s not all: he also showcased his LEGO® IDEAS project titled Naples Corner.

This is a lively and colorful work that accurately represents a typical view of the city of Naples.

It has already surpassed 4,000 votes, and you too can add your support by following this link.

Naples Corner by Andrea Caboni

Naples Corner by Andrea Caboni

Naples Corner by Andrea Caboni

He also presented his latest creation, which tells the story of pirates attempting to raid a fort filled with gold doubloons, located on a remote Caribbean island. Will the raiders manage to breach the fortress? You’ll only find out by seeing it with your own eyes.

Caribbean Fortress by Andrea Caboni

Speaking of IDEAS, I almost forgot to tell you about my Jack and the Beanstalk, the classic fairy tale told through LEGO bricks. Like Andrea, I wanted to challenge myself by submitting my project to the public vote on the famous platform.

I took the opportunity of this event to showcase it around, hoping to gather support and votes.

At the time of writing, I’ve just passed 1,300 votes. So, if you’d like to learn more, here’s the link, and if you like it, please cast your vote. It’s free and really makes a difference!

Jack and the beanstalk by Giuseppe Fraccalvieri

Jack and the beanstalk by Giuseppe Fraccalvieri

Jack and the beanstalk by Giuseppe Fraccalvieri

Jack and the beanstalk by Giuseppe Fraccalvieri

As the saying goes, “If you’ve made thirty, you might as well make thirty-one.” Staying on topic, I’d like to highlight the work of Davide Dioguardi, who participated both at Montanaro and on the IDEAS platform. I highly recommend casting a vote for this talented builder, who created an amazing medieval/fantasy diorama that will captivate you at first glance.

To vote for his THE WOLF’S ROCK, here’s the link you need.

The wolf's rock by Davide Dioguardi

Alongside Davide, this year a sizable group of members from Piemonte Brick LUG, led by Silvia Grillo, joined us. The Piedmontese association gave us the chance to admire their latest collaboration, titled Tumbler Multiverse Project: What If.

Essentially, the members set out to create alternative versions of the famous Tumbler from the Batman set 76239. As a result, we were able to admire this fantastic car in various liveries inspired by other TV shows and comic book sagas. Not stopping there, they also paired the models with the most fitting minifigures to represent the cartoon, movie, or TV series each variant pays tribute to.

Teenage mutant turtle by Emanuele Pitarella

Bck to the future by Francesco Cheri

Purple world umbrella edition by Silvia Grillo

Ghostbusters by Francesco Cheri

Classic space by Marco Biroglio

Piemonte brick lug version by Michele Gambatesa

The dukes of Hazzard by Davide Dioguardi

Gundam by Massimiliano Busato

Spiderman by Maurizio Seghetto

Frecce tricolori by Fabio Gaspardo

Blacktron 2 by Massimiliano Busata

Ferrari by Massimiliano Busata

The Piemonte Brick LUG also gave us a glimpse of the variety and quality of their creations. Among the displayed works, we were able to admire a captivating medieval village, full of intricate details and atmosphere; an extensive collection inspired by the world of Harry Potter that enchanted both young and old; as well as spectacular spaceships and work vehicles built with great skill.

Not to be missed was the famous Alien-style variant of set 31162, an original and surprising tribute that captured the attention of everyone present.

For the MONSTER theme, the revamped diorama by Daniele Rosa, known in the AFOL community as “Il Pasticcino,” took center stage with a spectacular invasion of skeletons, zombies, and monstrous creatures that infest every corner of his creation, creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and captivating. One of the most striking features is the partially ruined church that dominates the center of the diorama, adding a touch of mystery and drama to the scene.

Daniele’s talent shines through in the meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring to life a dark yet incredibly engaging world. As usual, his work is a work-in-progress, constantly evolving, which already makes us eager to see what surprises and new additions our children’s favorite builder will unveil in the future. His creativity seems boundless, and each new element further enriches this monstrous universe.

Diorama Monster by Daniele Rosa

Diorama Monster by Daniele Rosa

Diorama Monster by Daniele Rosa

The record for the most impressive diorama at the entire fair undoubtedly goes to the Nova family. Diego, together with his wife Sara Ballario, brought to life an epic and astonishingly detailed scene depicting a fierce battle between two rival factions. The cause of the conflict? A simple misunderstanding, born from one faction’s exclusion from a prestigious medieval tournament. Feeling slighted for not being invited, the uninvited guests declared war, sparking a clash that was as absurd as it was spectacular.

In the photo below, you can admire the exceptional size of the table the couple used to display their masterpiece—a true miniature reconstruction that stretches several meters in both length and width, dominating the entire exhibition hall. Towering, realistic walls enclose a bustling village, while in the background rises an enchanting fairytale-like tower, clearly inspired by the legendary home of Rapunzel.

But the real stroke of genius lies in the unexpected and playful details: among fully armored knights, tiny dragons, and military tents, you’ll spot some rather unusual characters—Minions clad in helmets and shields, enthusiastically taking part in improbable feats of strength and skill. The entire scene exudes passion, creativity, and a remarkable ability to blend history, fantasy, and humor into one extraordinary composition. A work that captivated the attention of visitors.

Medieval diorama by Nova's Family

Medieval diorama by Nova's Family

Medieval diorama by Nova's Family

Medieval diorama by Nova's Family

Representing the LEGO of bygone days—what we might affectionately call "vintage"—were Guido Giaretto and Lucia, true enthusiasts and guardians of an era built with simple yet deeply charming bricks. Their railway diorama was crafted entirely using only classic elements, dating back to before the introduction of modern pieces like curved slopes, wedges, and other specialized components. It stands as a heartfelt tribute to the purity of early LEGO builds, when imagination had to adapt to essential but versatile shapes.

Compared to previous editions, the diorama shows clear improvements and delightful new additions that enrich the scene with both liveliness and stylistic consistency. Among the standout features are a meticulously detailed campsite, a retro-style fire station, a 1960s-inspired gas station, and even small vignettes of everyday life: children playing, families on outings, and brightly colored cars traveling down carefully constructed roads.

The photo I took of their diorama perfectly captures the nostalgic atmosphere of that era—it looks as if it were pulled straight from a LEGO catalog from the 1960s. The vibrant colors, symmetrical builds, and an overall sense of order and simplicity evoke a time when creativity thrived within clear boundaries. Guido and Lucia’s creation is far more than just an exhibition piece: it’s a journey through time, a labor of love dedicated to a creative golden age that inspired generations of children (and adults). It’s a work that deserves to be admired slowly, to fully appreciate the attention to detail and historical coherence that make it truly one of a kind.

Vintage diorama by Guido Giaretto

By Guido Giaretto

By Guido Giaretto

When visiting a LEGO-themed fair, it’s not uncommon to come across not only extraordinary physical creations but also beautiful themed photographs that capture the very soul of the brick and tell stories through the lens. Among the leading figures of this unique form of artistic expression was the dear Filippo Sartoris, a passionate enthusiast not only of building but also of photography. He presented a curated selection of images taken by himself and a few of his friends.

The gallery that follows showcases a series of images that both move and amaze. The first four photographs are Filippo’s own work, and they stand out for his remarkable ability to play with light, perspective, and atmosphere—turning even the simplest scene into a visually compelling narrative. Every detail is thoughtfully composed; each shot looks like a miniature movie set, where LEGO bricks come to life in stunning settings: fiery sunsets, moody nightscapes, moments of thrilling action, or quiet, suspended stillness.

The following images in the collection feature works by other talented LEGO photographers. Their credits are clearly visible in my documentation shot, highlighting the collaborative spirit of this exhibit. Each artist brings their own style, sensitivity, and creative vision, making the gallery a rich and varied showcase of perspectives.

This section of the fair stands as an art form in its own right—one that shines a new, more intimate and evocative light on the LEGO universe. These photographs are not mere images: they are open windows into miniature worlds, where every frame tells a story worth watching, imagining, and dreaming.

Fotografia di Filippo Sartoris

Fotografia di Filippo Sartoris

Fotografia di Filippo Sartoris

  

Fotografia di Filippo Sartoris

Susanna Loris Lorandi

Susanna Loris Lorandi

Andrea Russo

Raoul Bizzotto

Stefano Canal

Montanaro Brick is an event that pays great attention to young talents and families, offering a creative space where the passion for LEGO bricks can be freely expressed. It is precisely in this context that I want to focus on a young builder who stood out for his originality and attention to detail: Giorgio Comacchio.

Giorgio is an emerging talent who took part in the event by presenting nearly a dozen small original creations, each characterized by a strong focus on composition and visual storytelling. Among these builds, one stands out in particular: a reinterpretation of a classic LEGO city, constructed using official sets but enriched and customized to make it unique and significantly more realistic.

What immediately grabs attention is the level of detail he applied to every urban element, but it's the asphalt on the main street that truly deserves special mention. In this part of the diorama, Giorgio employed a technique known as SNOT (Studs Not On Top), which involves building with the studs — the classic “bumps” on top of LEGO bricks — facing sideways instead of upwards.

This approach allowed him to create a smooth, compact surface, ideal for faithfully reproducing the look of real asphalt. But he didn’t stop there: he cleverly used the same technique to recreate road markings, such as pedestrian crossings and traffic lanes, with incredible accuracy. The result is strikingly realistic — looking at the scene, one might easily mistake it for a photograph of an actual miniature city.

Another particularly impressive feature is the depiction of roadworks: in one section of the street, Giorgio simulated an excavation site, as if construction was underway. Once again, through his skilled use of the SNOT technique, he managed to “break” the surface of the asphalt to mimic a dug-up road. This area is enriched with small details like construction equipment, pipes, and barriers, all of which contribute to making the diorama feel alive and dynamic.

Take a look at the two photos below: they speak for themselves and showcase the technical skill, creativity, and passion Giorgio poured into this creation. It’s thanks to young builders like him that events such as Montanaro Brick become truly special opportunities to inspire, engage, and spark the imagination of both kids and adults.

Giorgio Comacchio's city

Giorgio Comacchio's city

Giorgio Comacchio's city

Giorgio Comacchio's city

Among the other young participants, Gabriele Nesta certainly deserves a mention for presenting a majestic LEGO city, one of the largest on display at the entire event. Once again, the build is primarily based on official LEGO sets, but what truly stands out is the overall scale of the creation and the careful planning with which each section has been arranged to form a coherent and well-structured urban landscape.

Gabriele Nesta's city

As I mentioned earlier, Montanaro Brick gives special attention to families, both as visitors and as active participants in the event. It’s no coincidence that many of the most fascinating and engaging exhibits are created by family groups, working together with passion and creativity to bring their builds to life. Some of these families have now become regular and much-loved presences at the event.

One of the most devoted families is that of Gianni Gaio, who once again this year brought several original creations to the exhibition. Among them were models inspired by the iconic Volkswagen T1, the legendary van that became a symbol of the 1960s. His builds stand out for their remarkable attention to detail and for striking the perfect balance between technical skill and nostalgic charm. But that’s not all: the Gaio family also presented a captivating Jurassic Park diorama, complete with dinosaurs, lush vegetation, and carefully recreated iconic scenes. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the famous movie, sure to capture the imagination of both children and film-loving adults alike.

Another standout family is the Bocco family, who displayed a LEGO Friends®-themed town. Their diorama is notable for its neat and harmonious layout, with buildings, streets, and green spaces arranged in a way that’s both organized and inviting. The bright, cheerful colors characteristic of the Friends® line are used to full effect. Every corner of their city tells a little story: cafés, shops, parks, and homes all contribute to a joyful, detailed environment that sparks the imagination of young builders.

Lastly, we must mention the Guain family, the hosts of the event and true champions of family creativity. This year, they presented a very personal and meaningful build, inspired by one of their real-life passions: horses. Their display featured a Friends®-style riding stable, complete with stables, paddocks, training areas, and riders. The entire scene radiates care and affection, honoring not only the equestrian world but also the joy of shared play between parents and children.

It’s thanks to families like these that Montanaro Brick stands out from other events. It’s more than just a show — it’s an experience that celebrates intergenerational passion, where LEGO bricks become tools for creating, storytelling, and spending meaningful time together.

Guain family

Bocco family

Gianni Gaio

Gianni Gaio

Christian Gaio

I can’t conclude without mentioning the many other local families who, with great enthusiasm, chose to be actively involved in the event, proudly showcasing their own collections and dioramas. Their contribution added even more warmth, creativity, and a true sense of community to the special atmosphere that defines Montanaro Brick.

I invite you to browse through the final photos below, which capture better than words the beauty and diversity of everything that was created. All that’s left is to say see you next year, with the confidence that the next edition will once again surprise and inspire us — brick by brick.