The ancient grinding wheel of Paganico Sabino

Hidden in the heart of the picturesque Ovito Gorge, La Mola is an old grain mill that carries with it the charm of the past and the power of nature. Situated between rock walls and thundering waterfalls, this historic structure is now an example of architectural recovery and enhancement of the area.
La Mola dates back to shortly after 1866, when it was built thanks to an authorization to use the waters of the Ovito stream. At the time, it was part of an area known as Pianemole, a true mill district, where water was the main source of energy for grinding grain.

There is no shortage of historical anecdotes: in 1848, an episode of rebellion saw a group of peasants break into the mill to protest the milling tax. And in 1944, a miller was acquitted by the court after describing the milled grain as “sciattume,” a dialect term that the judge did not understand, but which was enough for the miller to win his case.
After a long period of neglect, La Mola was restored thanks to a project supported by the European Union, transforming it into a small hostel surrounded by greenery. But its history does not stop here: future projects include the restoration of the ancient hydraulic structures, giving visitors the experience of watching the wheat turn into flour under the slow movement of the millstones.
Today La Mola is not just a building: it is a unique scenic point, a must-see for those who love hiking, a place where history is intertwined with the landscape. It is the symbol of a recovered memory, where water, stone and community meet and tell the past to visitors of all ages.