Molinetto della Croda, Seventeenth-century stone mill in Refrontolo, Italy.
Molinetto della Croda is a 17th-century mill built against rocky cliffs where the Lierza stream creates a waterfall roughly ten meters high, flowing into a small lake below the structure. The water powers the grinding stones and enables grain processing at this distinctive location.
The mill was built in the 1600s and served local farmers for nearly four centuries before ceasing operations in 1953. After this long period as a grain mill, it now stands as a reminder of past agricultural practices.
The mill still operates using traditional methods to grind two special corn varieties that have been grown in the region for generations. Visitors can see how these ancient grain-processing techniques continue to be practiced today.
Visitors can join guided tours to watch grain grinding demonstrations while purchasing freshly milled polenta flour made on site. The grounds lie beside the waterfall and offer a natural setting with rocks and damp areas to navigate.
The mill's foundation rests directly on exposed rock locally called croda, which provided natural stability against floods for centuries. This direct connection between building and stone shows how craftspeople used nature to their advantage.
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