The mill on the Po reborn: Stocco shipyard completes restoration in

The mill on the Po reborn thanks to the Stocco shipyard

Riva del Po has regained one of its river heritage symbols: the historic mill on the Po has been restored and refurbished by the Stocco shipyard of Loreo, a workshop renowned for the masters of the hull (maestri d’ascia).

After years of sinking and storage in a shipyard, the floating mill has been returned to its original shape through skilled restoration, supported by municipal funding. The project, presented on April 15 in the Arengo hall, aims to go beyond a symbolic reconstruction: it will become an experiential space narrating grain processing, flour production and the relationship between the Po river and rural communities.

Planned activities include:

• educational workshops for children and families;
• guided visits and practical demonstrations of milling;
• storytelling routes tied to Riccardo Bacchelli’s novel and local traditions;
• tastings of local products and promotion of short supply chains;
• integration with nature trails, cycle tourism and cultural events.

Pro loco Terre Baccheliane and the Atlantide cooperative will manage cultural and tourist programming, aiming to make the mill a reference point for residents, schools and visitors and to promote the Polesine area through slow, sustainable tourism.