The power of water at the service of the countryside
The mills along the Naviglio Martesana are more than just buildings: they are custodians of a historical memory rooted in rural life and labour. Despite transformations and periods of neglect, many of these buildings still offer an authentic window into the past, when farmsteads were vibrant hubs of rural life and activity.
Their location is not accidental. They stand along the irrigation ditches, which branch off from the main canal, and power the water wheels. The farmsteads were connected to each other by “vicinal” roads (or country lanes / local roads). This strategic siting reflected a clear economic and social rationale, with the mill serving as the nucleus of a local micro-economy — essential not only for grinding grain but also for irrigation and the generation of hydraulic energy. Looking at a Martesana mill today, one can almost sense the bustling rhythm of a time when wheat was turned into flour to feed entire communities.
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The Burnt Mill
Truccazzano
The Burnt Mill, dating back to 1724, owes its name to a devastating fire that occurred in 1877. Today, it is the focus of a restoration project led by three families who have made it their home and are committed to preserving the mill and its surroundings.
The mill now also hosts an ARCI club.
The Franchetti Mill
Inzago
The mill was built at the end of the 15th century, just outside the town of Inzago. Although recently restored and converted for residential use, the original milling mechanisms remain well preserved and fully functional.
The Old Mill
Gorgonzola
Once used for grinding grain, the Old Mill has long been a symbol of the local economy and daily life in Gorgonzola. It served as a social gathering place for farmers, merchants, and townspeople. Today, it stands as a testament to an era when water, labour, and community were inextricably woven into the identity of Gorgonzola.
The Misericordia Mill
Bellinzago
Located along the ancient Via Postumia, Cascina Misericordia was originally a hospice for travellers and the sick, run by friars since the 13th century. The mill, parts of which are still visible today, was used to generate the electricity needed to light the farmhouse itself. The farmhouse remains a historic rural complex of great significance to the local heritage.
Villa Uboldo Water Wheel
Cernusco sul Naviglio
The water wheel operated like a Ferris wheel to pump water for irrigating Villa Uboldo gardens. Still visible today, it stands as a fine example of hydraulic engineering, reflecting the ingenuity of the time and the capacity to adopt advanced technical solutions to meet the agricultural and landscaping needs of noble estates.
