Though they may not seem like the most fascinating of structures, mills boast a surprising abundance of charm, especially the ones dotting the Tuscan countryside. The stone wheel used in mills, known as a mola, rely on the force of water, wind or animals to make them work flour, cereals, and more, putting mills at the centre of farming life for centuries. They are the symbol of The Netherlands and were “fought” by Don Quixotte.
These ancient and fascinating structures are actually Persian in origin, having arrived in Europe only in the 12th century. They’ve since become integral parts of the territory, including the dozens found across Tuscany. Some have been abandoned and forgotten, while others have been transformed to fit new needs and activities, like the Candalla Mill in Camaiore, a stone mill that was restored and converted into a typical Tuscan tavern. It stands on the banks of the Rio Lombricese, the only trace of human presence in the heart of an unspoilt natural paradise.
