In the heart of the picturesque Oltrepò pavese countryside, amidst the rolling hills that characterise the landscape, stands a jewel steeped in history and tradition: the Pellegro Mill. Located just above the hamlet of Casanova Staffora in the municipality of Santa Margherita Staffora, this ancient mill represents a tangible link with the region‘s agricultural past, preserving intact its centuries-old charm and continuing to play a significant role in the life of the local community.
A History Rooted in Time
The roots of the Pellegro Mill run deep into history, dating back as far as the 13th century, when it was already in operation and owned by the noble Malaspina family in 1275. The mill takes its name from the owner who restored it in the 19th century, Pellegro Natuzzi, who helped to preserve its integrity and keep it alive as the beating heart of the community.
A Place of Activity and Socialisation
Over the centuries, the Pellegro Mill has been much more than just a grain mill. It was the hub of local agricultural life, where farmers would arrive laden with crops, with wagons full of golden wheat and rye, to transform their precious cargo into flour, the essential ingredient for daily bread. Activity at the mill intensified during the harvest season, and they often worked through the night to meet all the demands.
The most fascinating aspect of the Pellegro Mill, however, was its ability to bring people together. There were no reservations at the mill; it was a matter of order of arrival. This meant that farmers often had to wake up at dawn and set off in their wagons to secure a place in the queue. However, waiting at the mill was not just a practical necessity; it was a time of sharing and socialising. While waiting patiently for their turn, the farmers exchanged stories and experiences, discussed and sometimes concluded real deals, from buying and selling animals to exchanging land and tools.
The Evocative Red Wheel
One of the distinctive features of the Pellegro Mill is its wheel, which has gone through various transformations over time. In the original construction of the mill, the wheel was made of wood, in perfect harmony with its surroundings and the craft traditions of the time. However, during a renovation in the 19th century, the old wooden wheel was replaced by a new one made of iron. This choice gave a modern touch to the building, highlighted by the new wheel‘s bright red colour, which stands out against the mill‘s historical architecture. Despite the change, the wheel remains a tangible symbol of the Pellegro Mill‘s past and present, while it continues to perform its essential function in ensuring the constant flow of water necessary for grinding.
A Legacy to Preserve
Today, the Pellegro Mill represents not only a historical monument, but also a cultural and social heritage for the community of Santa Margherita Staffora. Its evocative history and continuous functionality keep alive the agricultural and craft traditions of the past, while offering locals and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a piece of living history.
The Pellegro Mill is not just a building, but a symbol of resilience and continuity in change. It continues to bear witness to the deep bond between man and the land, and remains a place where the past blends harmoniously with the present, creating a bridge between generations and the traditions that have shaped life in the picturesque countryside of the Oltrepò pavese.
