Fortilizio dei Mulini, Medieval tower in Spoleto, Italy.
Fortilizio dei Mulini is a medieval tower at the end of Ponte delle Torri bridge, featuring stone walls and a strategic position overlooking the surrounding valley. The structure displays characteristics of both a fortification and a working mill facility, with water intake systems and processing spaces visible throughout.
The tower was built in the 13th century as a fortification to monitor the road above the bridge and communicate threats through smoke signals. Its function later shifted to mill operations, transforming it into a hybrid structure that combined defense and production.
The structure operated as a municipal mill until the late 19th century, processing grain and olives for the local community using water supplied by two aqueducts. Visitors can observe how the flowing water powered the grinding mechanisms and how this facility shaped daily life in the town.
The tower is reachable via marked trails from Spoleto's center, which continue toward Monteluco mountain and the ancient aqueduct system. The terrain can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is advisable, and binoculars help to observe surrounding details more clearly.
In 1968, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude wrapped the entire tower in nylon sheets during the Festival of Two Worlds. This temporary installation became famous and showed how this historic site became a canvas for experimental contemporary art.
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