Visitor Centre at the Bosco Marengo Municipal Mill

The Municipal Mill of Bosco Marengo is a visitor center of the Management Body for the protected Areas of the piedmontese Po.

It serves as the operational headquarters of the Orba Stream Nature Reserve.

The architectural complex known as The Mill, with archival references dating to the 5th century, originated as a rural settlement cluster proximal to th Bosco Communit castle.

It transitioned into a key economic component for the local population.
Subsequently, the property underwent private ownership transfer before being acquired by the Dominican friar Antonio Ghislieri (later Pope Pius V in 1566).

Finally, it was acquired by the municipality, which transitioned the asset to a leasehold premise.

The mill continued to operate over the centuries until the late 1960s.

The hydraulic facility was originally powered by a diversion channel fed by the Orba stream.

Technological adaptation occurred in the early 20th century with the transition to hydroelectric energy.

Two operational turbines, installed in the 1920s, remain extant within the structure.

The structural complex, dating from the early 20th century, has undergone a comprehensive restoration and functional re-qualification.

This intervention was realized through a collaborative partnership involving:

• Ente-Parco = Park Management Authority;
• Regione Piemonte;
• Municipality of Bosco Marengo.

The ground floor, rehabilitated for educational and visitor use, is divided into two primary areas:

• Diorama Exhibition Hall: Features a visual, ecological, and geographical representation of the Garzaia wetland habitat within the Orba Stream Nature Reserve.
  This area showcases preserved fauna specimens within sealed glass displays, focusing on the biodiversity of the Piedmontese Po protected areas.
• Conference and Meeting Room

No architectural barriers.

The Centre provides:

• guided tours;
• educational activities;
• events and initiatives.