Our Story Meets Yours

Blacksmithing runs five generations deep in the Rovella family, beginning with Massimo’s great-great grandfather in Italy, great-grandfather, grandfather, and his father. Massimo grew up at the shop beside his dad, Francesco, who learned modern blacksmithing from his mentor, Joe Riva of Rome.

5 Generations of Blacksmithing

A young man in a graduation gown and cap standing next to an older man with his arm around him, by a waterfront with children sitting and walking on the promenade.

Today, Massimo carries the tradition forward as owner of Imperial Iron. Every piece is handcrafted with wrought iron, fully custom, and powder-coated. Like this story, and like the Colosseum itself, every project is made to stand the test of time.

Young man with dark hair and mustache wearing a black shirt and apron, standing in a workshop with metal tools and decorative metal frames hanging on the wall behind him, and partially visible workbench in front.
Young man with dark hair and mustache wearing a black shirt and apron, standing in a workshop with metal tools and decorative metal frames hanging on the wall behind him, and partially visible workbench in front.

The Story Continues