Rec del Molí. Castelló d'Empúries Flour Mill and Eco-Museum.
The Rec del Molí or Mill Canal runs about five kilometres from the lock in Vilanova de la Muga to the flour mill. Along this route, the canal passes orchards, fields and fenced-in pastureland over a changing and striking landscape that becomes exceptional when the canal flows past Castelló d’Empúries and uses the old moat of the mediaeval wall to channel the water to the pond at the flour mill.
The water from the Rec del Molí is used to irrigate the surrounding fields and orchards. This is performed by means of boixes, small structures equipped with gates.
Upon reaching the flour mill, the falling water allows the turbine to generate sufficient mechanical energy to operate the entire factory.
Upon leaving the flour mill, the water is pumped and driven to a water treatment plant that makes it suitable for human consumption.
Many years ago, the water from the Rec del Molí also fed a drinking trough, the municipal slaughterhouse and the public laundry.
Finally, the water from the canal is channelled to the Vilaüt ponds, part of Integral Reserve I of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park.
