SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026: A WALK TO DISCOVER MILLS AND FORGES ALONG THE RIO BEDALE DI MACRA _ EUROPEAN DAYS OF HISTORIC MILLS

On the occasion of the 2026 European Days of Mills and Milling Heritage, a guided walk to discover the water-powered machinery along the Rio Bedale in the Alma area will be offered in Macra on the afternoon of Sunday, May 17.

This guided walk will provide an opportunity to discover historic buildings and artifacts used as mills and forges, learn about the ancient trades of the Macra territory, and spend an afternoon immersed in history and nature.

The tour departs from Borgata Bedale di Macra with a visit to the Mattalia Mill, where the history and operation of the mill will be explained, highlighting the importance that “water machines” along the Rio Bedale held for the local community.

In the village of Bedale, visitors can admire the Gauteri votive pillar, the Chapel of San Giacomo, the ancient oven, and houses featuring medieval and 19th-century wall paintings.

Following the Rio Bedale, the path ascends past the remains of the ancient Macra forge to reach Borgata Langra. Here, visitors can admire the Chapel of San Giuseppe and the ancient mill, a typical example of a milling structure with a vertical-axis wooden wheel. The route continues to Borgata Caricatori, known for its beautiful mountain huts and the remains of round columns from vanished buildings once used for food storage.

The walk continues along the road through a wooded area to Borgata Villar, home to the Parish Church of San Marcellino, the Gauteri votive pillar, the former school building, and a hut with traces of ancient medieval frescoes.

Return to Borgata Bedale.

The walk is easy and suitable for enthusiasts of all ages: families, young people, and adults. It is organized in collaboration with Chamin guides.

The European Days of Mills is an important initiative aimed at enhancing and promoting knowledge of the architectural, historical, and cultural heritage of mills in Europe. In Italy, the 15th edition will take place on May 16 and 17, 2026, offering the public the chance to visit numerous historic mills that are often inaccessible during the rest of the year.

This initiative is part of the series of events planned for the B.R.I.C.A. Project: Resilient Villages of Cultural and Environmental Innovation, implemented by the Municipalities of Celle di Macra and Macra in collaboration with the Ecomuseo dell’Alta Valle Maira, and funded by the PNRR – under the Borghi Grant_ Intervention Line B (M1C3. Measure 2. Investment 2.1).

The event is organized by the Municipalities of Macra and Celle di Macra, in collaboration with the Ecomuseo dell’Alta Valle Maira and AIAMS – the Italian Association of Friends of Historic Mills, with the support of the Azienda di Formazione Professione di Dronero.

Meeting point in Macra, in front of the Info-Ecopoint at the Town Hall square.

Departure at 2:30 PM and arrival at 5:30 PM.

Sportswear is recommended.

The walk is free of charge.

For information: + 39 348 1869452 or email ecomuseoavm.comunicazioni@gmail.com

At the end of the walk, there is an opportunity to participate in the Bread-making and Bakery Products Workshop, which will be held at 5:45 PM at the Info-Ecopoint in Macra.

Limited places available, reservation is mandatory. For information on workshop booking, please visit the ecomuseum website at www.ecomuseoavm.it