Transformed historic mill close to Romania's Mud Volcanoes into a sluggish food cooking learning institution
The "The Mill Between Fire and Earth" project, launched by Slow Food Buzău and the Scorțoasa Municipality, is an exciting initiative aimed at restoring and revitalizing a traditional water mill in the picturesque village of Policiori near the Mud Volcanoes. The project, with an estimated budget of EUR 150,000, seeks to preserve local heritage, promote sustainable tourism, and foster food education.
- Heritage Preservation
The project involves the careful restoration of the old water mill, preserving its historical architecture and traditional milling techniques. This effort safeguards local cultural identity and historical knowledge tied to rural Romanian life, specifically the traditional process of grain milling.
- Tourism Development
By transforming the mill into a cultural attraction, the initiative seeks to draw visitors interested in authentic heritage experiences. Tourists can explore the mill’s historical significance and learn first-hand about traditional rural craftsmanship within a picturesque village setting, promoting sustainable and community-based tourism.
- Food Education
The project integrates educational programs focused on local food heritage, demonstrating the milling process from grain to flour and its role in traditional Romanian cuisine. Visitors and locals alike can engage in workshops or tasting events, fostering an appreciation of locally sourced ingredients and traditional food preparation methods.
In addition to preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism, the project aims to generate economic benefits by attracting more tourists and diversifying the local tourism offer. The center will support local producers by featuring an artisanal shop selling certified Slow Food products sourced primarily from more than 20 local partners and producers in the Scorțoasa and Mud Volcanoes area.
The restored mill will be transformed into an interactive culinary education center, offering baking workshops, culinary demonstrations, exhibitions on milling traditions, and activities for children and visitors. The project also aims to provide social benefits by promoting direct sales for producers, educating young people on traditional values, and revitalizing regional heritage.
Organizers invite financial sponsors, donors of eco-friendly materials, and volunteers to contribute to the project. The project has already been approved by the Scorțoasa Local Council and has received national recognition for demonstrating a successful public-private partnership model.
Thorsten Kirschner, founder of the Slow Food Buzău community, commented that the project is more than just the rehabilitation of an old building, it’s the revival of a local symbol and a valuable contribution to the sustainable development of the region.
The next steps include the final design, mill restoration, and opening it to the community and visitors. For more information, please visit irina.marica@our website.
- The restoration of the water mill, backed by the "The Mill Between Fire and Earth" project, aims to preserve and celebrate Romanian food-and-drink heritage by exhibiting traditional milling techniques, thereby sustaining the cultural travel experience.
- As part of the project, travelers can attend various educational programs, such as workshops and tastings, to immerse themselves in the local recipes and gain insights into the craftsmanship behind sustainable floating-and-drink practices.
- Further extending its reach, the project plans to feature an artisanal shop selling local food products from partners in the Scorțoasa and Mud Volcanoes area, supporting the food-and-drink lifestyle within the village of Policiori and beyond, attracting more travelers into the area.
