Molino Maufet is located in the hamlet of Villatico in Colico, along the route of the Antica Roggia Molinaria, which begins in Fontanedo, the town's first settlement dating back to the 12th century. The “Molino” (Mill) was established precisely around this period in a modest building visible upstream from the current historical complex.
Originally owned by the Augustinian Friars of Gravedona, the building belonged to the Sciucco family for centuries. The mill operated until the 1960s but was abandoned after the deaths of the last millers, known as “i Maufet.” In 2016, after years of neglect and degradation, the mill was purchased by the Bettiga family. Though abandonment and decay had destroyed much of the complex, extensive restoration work has now made it complete again.
The structure comprises two separate neighbouring buildings. The first building, constructed in the 13th century and positioned upstream, served as a “Stacking and Dwelling Place” for barley and dried chestnuts. The second building (the main and largest), situated further downstream on the same irrigation canal, consisted of two separate mills. The older mill, dating back to 1150, was used for milling and bread-making and was equipped with an ancient oven in an adjacent room. The second mill, dating back to 1400, had two wheels and was used for milling on behalf of third parties. For this reason, it included a special room on the upper floor for drying the grain supplied, known as the “drying room.”
During its heyday, the mill complex had at least four water wheels, two of which have been rebuilt today.
The ground level, which can be visited in its entirety, houses the machinery that has remained intact in its original configuration, along with an area featuring a fireplace and an adjacent room that was once used as an oven and stable (the vault). The living rooms on the upper floors have been preserved and restored for private use.
In the outdoor area, visitors can admire the Pila stone, two large restored waterwheels, a long wooden overhead canal that transports water, and the Roggia Molinara, with its stone canal clearly visible on the ground.
The Mulino Museum, which recently became part of the Museum System of the Province of Lecco, now hosts exhibitions and cultural events. It collects objects and artefacts related to milling, agriculture, forestry, and grazing activities, as well as the family economy.
Access
The Mill can only be visited with a guided tour in Italian or English, lasting about 1.5 hours.
Prices
Adults: € 8.00
Kids 6-17 years old: € 4.00
Children up to 5 years old and disabled people: free admission
