Hidden among the green folds of the Tuscan countryside, in the Botro di Campo di Sasso locality, the Cardellino Mill-also known as the Old Mill-represents one of the most evocative testimonies of Bibbona’s ancient rural culture. This ancient watermill, nestled in an unspoiled natural setting, is a must-see for those who wish to discover the deep connection between the territory and its resources.
Hydraulic ingenuity and rural landscape
At the heart of the mill is a traditional hydraulic system, still partially visible today. Upstream, one can clearly recognize an ancient stone weir, built to collect water and form a gora: a reservoir that conveyed the flow to an internal basin. Also still identifiable are the remains of a metal damper, once used to regulate the amount of incoming water, essential to power the mill wheel.
A building on three levels
The structure of the Cardellino Mill is built on three levels, following the contours of the land and harnessing the power of the water for milling activities. A unique detail that makes the visit even more fascinating is the presence of a small waterfall, active throughout the year, which flows next to the building and contributes to the evocative atmosphere of natural sounds and glimpses of rare beauty.
An authentic experience
Today the mill is no longer active, but it retains all its historical and scenic value. To visit the Cardellino Mill is to immerse yourself in a timeless place, where nature, ancient engineering and rural tradition come together in harmony. It is the ideal place for those who love photography, nature walks or simply want to experience an authentic fragment of rural Tuscany.
