Molí del Madora

Molí del Madora is a historic watermill in the village of Copons, in the Anoia region of Barcelona province, Catalonia. Also known as Molí de Baix, Molí de l'Amadora or Molí d'en Carbonell, the building stands at the western edge of the old village center, on Carrer del Raval 17 / Camí de les Basses 6, and is listed in Catalonia's Inventory of Architectural Heritage.

Where does the name come from?

The name refers to "l'Amadora," the nickname of Isabel Carbonell i Soler, who owned the house next to the mill. In 1801 Amador Carbonell built a house known as Ca la Madora (Cal Madora) against the mill's west wall; the two buildings still form a single complex today, and the house's name eventually attached itself to the mill as well.

How did the mill work?

Like the other mills of Copons, Molí del Madora ran on water from the Riera Gran, a stream that flows through the valley. The water reached it only after turning the wheel of the neighboring Molí del Mig upstream. Mills in the area formed a chain of installations sharing the same watercourse one after another, with weirs (rescloses) regulating the flow - an arrangement that occasionally led to disputes among millers over water rights. The mill originally ground grain into flour; over time, according to historical sources, the building changed use more than once, working at different periods as an oil mill and, in the 20th century, as a gypsum mill.

What will you see on site?

Molí del Madora is considered the best-preserved mill in Copons. The upper part of the facade still shows the openings of the old drying room (assecador), where grain or other raw material was dried before milling. An information panel outside recounts the building's history, and traces of the old water basin (bassa) and parts of the mill structure remain visible on the ground. The building itself is now privately owned and used as a home, so visits are limited to viewing it from the outside.

How do you get to Molí del Madora?

The mill sits on the edge of Copons' historic center, a short walk from the main square and the church. Copons is a small village in the Anoia region, close to the roads linking Igualada with Calaf and Prats de Rei; most visitors arrive by car, park in the village center and continue on foot toward Carrer del Raval. The mill is one stop on the local mills route (Ruta dels Molins), which follows the stream past several other watermills in the municipality.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures in this part of Catalonia are mild and the stream-side path is at its greenest. Summers here can get hot, making longer walks between mills less comfortable. Since the mill is viewed from outside, a visit can be planned at any time of day, though early morning hours may leave the facade in shade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the mill? No. Molí del Madora is private property used as a residence, so visits are limited to viewing the exterior and reading the information panel.

Where did the mill get its water? From the Riera Gran, after the stream had already powered the wheel of the neighboring Molí del Mig - the mills of Copons formed a chain sharing the same watercourse.

Is this the only mill in Copons? No. The municipality preserves several historic watermills, linked by the local Ruta dels Molins walking route, and Molí del Madora is regarded as the best-preserved of them.

How long does a visit take? Seeing the mill itself takes only a few minutes, but it's worth combining it with a walk along the rest of the mills route and through Copons' old center, which usually takes about 1-2 hours.