Culture

Molino del Puerto

One of the many peculiarities of the municipality of Moral de Sayago, and the whole Sayago region in general, is the prevalence of watermills situated along the numerous streams that traverse the area.

The land registry proposed by the Marquis of Ensenada in the mid-18th century listed up to nine mills and five aceñas (a hydraulic set of weirs and elevating wheels) in the municipality of Moral de Sayago. This suggests the importance of these machines in feeding the population and livestock of the time, due to their capacity to grind wheat and produce flour.

Thanks to the Ensenada's land registry, we know that most of the flour mills have disappeared or have been demolished. These structures have endured the test of time, with some believed to have originated during the early stages of our era, during the Roman period.

The mills that remain standing exhibit a variety of conditions of preservation, despite their common status as abandoned ruins. An alternative route exists, known as the Rivera de los Arroyos Route. This route begins at the Rivera de las Calabazas, situated on the border with the municipality of Luelmo. It allows visitors to explore the numerous mills in the area.

From the Molino de Rita Laldé, it is possible to continue to the Molino La Resbaladera or El de Luzvelina, the largest of the three, passing near the Molino Zafón. As one follows the course of the water along the Arroyo de los Arroyos, the concentration of hydraulic structures of this size increases exponentially. The Molino de los Mielgos, the Molino del Puerto, the Molino del Garabito, the Molino Trancafuelle, the Molino Llaga del Buey and the Molino el Diablo are examples of the surviving remains of the extensive milling activity that once thrived in this area, situated between Moral de Sayago and the river Duero. The ephemeral streams and streams that fed the mills converge with the river at this location.

Nevertheless, one mill has been preserved in its original state, having been renovated for use by the local population: the Molino del Puerto. The interior of the structure houses a multitude of the original tools and mechanisms that enabled the functioning of these engineering marvels. Among these is the tarabillo, which facilitated the transfer of grain from the hopper to the grinding apparatus, comprising large granite wheels.

The Molino del Puerto was constructed in the traditional stone style of the region, in keeping with the architectural style of the other mills in Sayago. It served as a communal mill for the local community until relatively recently, when it was restored by the residents of the area. Following the distribution of the hours of operation of the mill among the owners, Moral de Sayago was able to resume milling cereal to produce bread.