In the past the area now belonging to the municipality of Polcenigo was rich in watermills (there were at least 12 watermills over the years) and factories using water as a power source (there was a smithy, three to four fulling mills and at least three sawmills).
But it was in the Middle Ages that something very important for the factories of Polcenigo happened: an artificial brook was excavated deviating the course of the Gorgazzo River toward the factories. So the river was split in two right before it reached the area of the current Plebiscito Square.
The Gorgazzetto Brook was allegedly built around 1375 AD. Along its banks rose at least six water-powered factories including mills, fulling mills, sawmills and smithies.
The Napoleonic General Land Registers also mention a spinning mill for silk production propelled by the Gorgazzetto Brook. The spinning mill was owned and managed by Count Francesco of Polcenigo and Dr. Carlo Carini. It closed in the first half of the 19th century.
Between the first and second world wars, many factories were forced to close because there was no work. But it was probably the electric mill in San Giovanni, built in the 1920s, that gave the final blow to the factories along the Gorgazzetto.
Only two mills survived up to the present day. They can be visited and inside them you will have the chance to admire the original milling equipment.
Mulino Modolo stands on the banks of the Gorgazzetto Brook flowing from the Gorgazzo River along Coltura Street, not far from the city centre of Polcenigo. Records show it has been the property of the Fullini family, counts of Cuccagna, Zucco and Partistagno, since the 17th century though it ceased operation in 1985.
The Mulino Faletti-Sanchini Sawmill is approximately 100 metres from Mulino Modolo. At the beginning of the 20th century a watermill was added to the pre-existing sawmill, built by the Counts near an old fulling mill which records show existed in the 16th century. Unfortunately the fulling mill was torn down in the 18th century.
