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Mill "Mulino di Erbetta" of Arbedo

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In past centuries, water power was the main source of energy for operating mills, presses, sawmills, and other machinery. By the late 19th century, there were around nine hundred water-powered machines in Ticino, 97 of them in the Bellinzona area. Arbedo played a key role in this context, as shown by documents from 1500 and the place name “Molinazzo”, recorded as early as 1388. The village housed as many as 15 mills with presses and grindstones, serving much of the Bellinzona district.

The Erbetta Mill is the last surviving witness of this long tradition. Named after Gaudenzio Erbetta (1906–1993), the last miller in the village, it bears traces of centuries-old milling activity, such as mortars dated 1672. By the late 19th century, it had two waterwheels, each 2.40 m in diameter, with a total output of 5.2 horsepower. Some millstones are still visible inside and outside the building.

In 1936, the traditional stone milling system was replaced with a semi-automatic industrial machine powered by an iron wheel, thanks to Gaudenzio Erbetta’s initiative. The mill remained in operation until the 1950s and was occasionally used for maintenance until the 1970s, when all activity ceased permanently.

It is possible to book a visit by filling out the form on the website www.mulinoerbetta.ch.

Admission fees:
Adults CHF 4.00
Children 0–5 years free
Children 6–15 years CHF 2.00
Students/Apprentices/Seniors CHF 2.00
Family (2 adults + children) CHF 8.00
Family (1 adult + children) CHF 4.00

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR GROUPS

  • Groups: min. 4 – max. 20 participants
  • Duration: approx. 1h. Including the adjacent Casa Molinara, allow 1.5–2h
  • Validity: all year round except public holidays
  • Bookable activity: from 09:00 to 17:00
  • Languages: Italian, French, German, English
  • Price: Groups and school classes (free for accompanying persons) CHF 3.00 per person. School classes from Arbedo-Castione (kindergarten and primary) free
  • Advance booking required
  • Meeting point: Mulino Erbetta or Arbedo-Castione Town Hall