Di Giusto Mill in Valle and the Mills of Rojale

Itinerari nel Rojale

Di Giusto Mill

The Di Giusto family has been linked to the mill in Valle since 1585. Traditions passed down from father to son since its origins have made this mill one of the area’s leading flour producers, still operating today using traditional artisanal methods. 

It is the only mill still active in the Municipality of Reana del Rojale. Located on Via Segàt, the street name recalls the sawmill that existed before the Di Giusto Mill began its activity. 

Three canals with their mechanical waterwheels of decreasing diameter can still be seen. Once the residual driving force has been used, the water flow is recombined into its original course. 

The hydraulic engineering techniques adopted, the surrounding environment, the rust-coloured blades that seem to turn endlessly, the washhouses still in use, and the care of the owners make this site well known and frequently visited.

The Mills of Rojale

The water of the irrigation ditch, used since ancient times for domestic purposes, encouraged the establishment of numerous workshops powered by hydraulic energy. 

Among all artisanal activities, mills played the most important role. The development of the mill and the waterwheel received decisive momentum shortly after the year 1000. From the 13th century onwards, it is not inaccurate to imagine the irrigation ditch dotted with mills, particularly numerous near inhabited areas. 

Beyond grinding grain, the waterwheel was progressively used for other functions, including fulling cloth, processing hemp and flax, tanning hides, sawing timber and crushing minerals. 

Along the course of the irrigation ditch, traces of several ancient hydraulic workshops remain. The canal runs through and alongside the various hamlets, with their typical rural houses, churches and bell towers. 

The Udine irrigation ditch, starting from Zompitta, winds along the main streets of the villages before connecting southwards at Adegliacco, continuing through Molin Nuovo to Paderno and the city of Udine. 

The Palma irrigation ditch, branching off from the Udine ditch in the hamlet of Valle, flows through Rizzolo, San Bernardo, Godia and Beivars before reaching the city of Palmanova. 

Along the main canal, several isolated rural buildings can be admired, including Casa Minisini south of Zompitta, which preserves traditional local architectural features; the Brussolo Mill and Casali Cecut south of Cortale; Casali Segat and the Di Giusto Mill in Valle; the old Battiferro “La Farie” in Rizzolo; and, along the Palma ditch, Casali Gentilini.