Culture

Valduzón Mill (Ruins)

The Molino de Valduzón, a former watermill situated on the banks of the La Saz stream, can be found to the northeast of the village of Badilla. The ruins of this historic building, which has been described as "bucolic", are a testament to the area's rich history.

The site is situated in the vicinity of Mimbrero and Cayata, more specifically on the right bank of the river downstream between the Matarranas mill and the Traditional Bridge of Lanchas.

The mill is part of the historic group of mills in Badilla, which in the area are collectively known as aceñas. The term is derived from Arabic and denotes the totality of the water system, encompassing the weir and the infrastructure. In translation, it signifies the act of raising. This type of construction has been erected on the Iberian Peninsula since the 8th century, preceding the traditional mill. The advent of this functional apparatus in the Sayago region is believed to have occurred during the Arab period.

The Valduzón mill was employed in conjunction with the other mills in the region to process wheat, rye, barley and other agricultural products grown in the area, given that Badilla was a significant agricultural community. It can be demonstrated that, in the 18th century, up to 90% of the total land area was under the control of the council for agricultural purposes. The landscape of sheepfolds, a testament to traditional agriculture, remains a prominent feature within an expansive territory.

The Valduzón mill is now a mere vestige of its former glory. However, other mills, such as the "Carrizo", the Cabildo mill, the Matarranas mill and the Panchón mill, remain. The "Carrizo" and the Molino Cabildo are rehabilitated mills that have been restored to a condition that allows them to function in a manner like their operations during the 18th century.