Old mill near Romania's Mud Volcanoes re-purposed into a sluggish food culinary learning institute
The small village of Policiori, nestled near the Mud Volcanoes in Romania, is about to become a cultural hotspot with the launch of the "The Mill Between Fire and Earth" project. This initiative, a collaboration between Slow Food Buzău and the Scorțoasa Municipality, aims to restore an old mill and transform it into an interactive culinary education center.
Restoration and Development
The historic mill building is currently undergoing careful restoration, with conservation specialists and local craftsmen working diligently to preserve its architectural charm while adapting it for modern use. Simultaneously, infrastructure improvements are underway to support visitor access and interactive activities, including upgrading utilities and safety features.
Community Involvement and Key Features
The project has engaged local communities and stakeholders to integrate traditional culinary knowledge and cultural heritage into the center’s programming. Key features include interactive culinary workshops, hands-on experiences focused on traditional Romanian and regional cuisine, and exhibits presenting the history of the mill and its role in the community.
The center will also offer baking workshops, culinary demonstrations, exhibitions on milling traditions, and activities for children and visitors. It will support local producers through an artisanal shop featuring Slow Food products, with more than 20 local partners and producers in the Scorțoasa and Mud Volcanoes area being primary sources.
Sustainability and Economic Benefits
The project emphasizes sustainable practices by promoting local food production and preserving the cultural landscape. It aims to attract tourists interested in heritage tourism, gastronomy, and interactive learning, contributing to local economic development. The initiative also seeks to generate economic and social benefits, such as attracting more tourists, diversifying local tourism offer, promoting direct sales for producers, educating young people on traditional values, and revitalizing regional heritage.
A Valuable Contribution to Sustainable Development
Thorsten Kirschner, founder of the Slow Food Buzău community, commented that the mill revival is a valuable contribution to the sustainable development of the region. Vasile Săcuiu, mayor of Scorțoasa, considers the project significant for the commune, as it aims to demonstrate best practices in public-private partnership, benefiting the entire community.
For more information about the project, please visit the project's website. The project website for more information is irina.marica@our website (advertisement removed). The project's photo source is Slow Food Buzau (advertisement removed).
- The renovated mill in Policiori village will not only be a center for interactive culinary education but also a showcase of local food-and-drink and home-and-garden traditions, as it integrates traditional Romanian and regional cuisine into its programming.
- As the "The Mill Between Fire and Earth" project progresses, it is expected to attract travelers interested in cultural-travel, gastronomy, and unique home-and-garden experiences, thereby contributing to economic growth and sustainable development in the Scorțoasa and Mud Volcanoes region.
- With a focus on sustainability and local beneficiaries, the mill restoration project expects to foster a connection between visitors and the community, offering opportunities for learning about traditional practices and supporting local food-and-drink producers through an artisanal shop selling Slow Food products.
