Molini di Sotto

Located in the historic center of Mirano, the architectural complex of the Molini di Sotto is an abandoned factory, which overlooks the opposite dock for boats. Towards the end of the 19th century, an industrial building complex was erected in this area, the functioning of which was permitted and guaranteed by the mechanics of the mills. This was made possible thanks to the difference in the water level of the Muson river (almost three metres) between the two basins (Molini di Sopra and Molini di sotto). Known since then as the "east gate" of the city, the Molini di Sotto basin represents an access for those who came from Venice to Mirano, at the time an important commercial hub for the Serenissima. The Basin, which originated naturally as a result of the water jump downstream of the river locks and the consequent erosion of the banks, was enlarged and excavated to allow the mooring and maneuvering of the burcis, which went up the river to unload the grain destined for the milling in the mills, loading flour, other foodstuffs and building materials, especially bricks, produced in the furnaces of Mirano. In 1938 the Società Anonima Oleffici e Molini Adriatici, based in Venice, was authorized to expand the pre-existing plant for the pressing of oilseeds, through the installation of three Breda continuous presses and three Biolchi Pagnoni hydraulic presses. The Molini di Sotto worked until the 60s of the last century, for grinding cereals and as an oil mill. The Mills of Mirano, mentioned in very ancient documents since the year 1000 AD, fulfilled an important economic function until after the Second World War.