The Valley of the Mills, along the Telo river, has been since ancient times the ideal place for the establishment of production structures that used hydraulic energy as well as ancient road that connected Dizzasco to Cerano with a beautiful "donkey's back" bridge (probably of medieval origin) as well as an important "crossroad" of communication with the plain through the Muggio valley.
Of the various factories that settled in this place (around 1700), five buildings are currently still visible and in a good state of preservation (former mills, former forge - warehouses) currently used as private homes. Furthermore, going up the bank of the Telo river, the rubble of other production structures that collapsed over time are visible as well as the remains of a water canalisation system, several hundred meters long, which, starting from a former dam (whose remains are still visible), conveyed the water to the water wheels of the individual mills, thus giving movement to all the machinery existing there.
Also in this valley stood the ancient "canatòri" (spinning mill) which also operated entirely with hydraulic power. This spinning mill, built in 1916 with the name "la Tessitrice" and in which around 50 girls worked, was totally destroyed during the night of 10/11 February 1930 following a devastating fire in which two girls perished (a photo of the former factory and the related article were published by the Province of Como on 8 March 2015). Another activity practiced at the time was the breeding of silkworms: the silk "shedder" was the first "factory" in the Intelvi Valley.
Every year, to enhance this truly unique corner of the territory which has seen industrious peasant activity, the "Festa dei Mulini" is celebrated by the "Amici di Dizzasco e Muronico" association. During this event, tourists have the opportunity to visit and discover the historic mill of "Carletto Traversa", of the "Maglio", of the "Patriarca di Biazzeno" and then the other mills: the mill known as "La Rumilda" and that of " La Teresa” (near the former dam) which features a sundial on its façade. Thematic tables on the history and clothing of peasant civilization, the game of chess, medieval writing, small work tools, the possibility of practicing ancient mountain crafts (such as traditional hazelnut weaving), 0 km products , archers, falconers are just some of the many entertainment opportunities of the day.
A curiosity: going up from the Telo river, you cross the town of Dizzasco, head towards the Church of San Pietro e Paolo and then continue further (for 3/4 hundred metres) you reach the hamlet of Biazzeno, a place which perhaps anticipated the birth of the town of Dizzasco. In the historic square, near the wash house, you can still see the very heavy granite artefact hand-crafted by stonecutters (picapreda ed.), which is the basis for the wooden body of the "torč" (ancient walnut press) whose wooden part is protected in a private home. It is very ancient and was used for pressing walnuts: the “nos vécc” used this walnut oil to season food and for lighting. The residues from the pressing were destined to feed the pigs.
At the time, olive oil was rare and very expensive and was only available along the olive groves of the “Zòca de l'olii” (Oil Basin) areas between Griante and Sala Comacina and in the lower Intelvi valley.
Information taken from: http://www.comune.dizzasco.co.it/po/attachment_news.php?id=156
SEE ALSO:
IV Edition Festival of the Mills | I say
Dizzasco – August 2017 – Festival of the Telo Mills
By Simona Castelli – ARTEVALLEINTELVI: Walk from Telo Park to Madonna del Restello
