Gozo underground flour mill could have historical significance

An old, underground flour mill that could have significant historic importance lies derelict, accumulating rubbish in a remote idyllic spot to the west of Gozo.

The mill was recently identified by Lino Bugeja, a rambler who is campaigning so that people could walk unhindered along footpaths in the countryside.

The flour mill was identified by chance after Mr Bugeja sought shelter from rain in what appeared to be one of the many old corbelled rooms that dot the countryside.

The underground mill also probably served as a place where animals were kept because there are two well-worn mangers and several worn tethering holes carved in the rock.

It may originally have been an underground cavern that was enlarged to be used for different purposes over the years.

The cavern is circular in shape. In the central part of the roof one can still see the place where the shaft of the milling stone used to fit. The mill was probably driven by a mule or donkey.

The ground appears to have been paved, which indicates that the underground cavern was more than a place for animals.

Farmers who till land in the area say they recall their ancestors saying that people lived in it some 100 years ago. It was not unusual for people to live in the same place with their goats at that time.

Such underground flour mills saw a revival in Gozo during World War II when grain was scarce and supply of flour was strictly controlled.

Joseph Galea, who wrote an article entitled The Old Flour Mills Of Malta And Gozo, says that mills were stealthily assembled in out-of-the-beaten-track localities to supply flour which fetched very high prices.

Mr Bugeja called for the protection and upkeep of such sites, which formed part of our social history. Mr Bugeja plans to set up the Ramblers' Association of Malta and anyone interested in joining can attend the first general meeting, to be held in the evening of January 29 at Din l-Art Helwa's premises in Melita Street, Valletta.

"The aim of the association is to highlight, through walks in the countryside, the architectural and natural beauty of the Maltese landscape and to inform the authorities of items of historic and archaeological importance as well as items of folk art that exist," Mr Bugeja said.

"Artefacts or sites are sometimes literally stumbled upon while rambling. That is why it is important for the countryside to be accessible," Mr Bugeja said.