Hikers traversing the valley route will encounter numerous remains of water mills. They stand as silent testimony to the fact that the Malagkiotis river valley was once a vibrant, productive area. The river’s strong flow was an invaluable asset for the locals and their agricultural production. Water mills were priceless for pre-industrial society. The multitude of ruined water mills show that this area seems to have hosted major agricultural production in its time.
The ruins of the next water mill offer a unique opportunity to get a closer look at how these buildings were erected. This example is known locally as the water mill of Agios Georgios, named after the parish church of St George in the neighbouring settlement, “tou Kokkinou” (of Kokkinos). This settlement is abandoned, and the church of St George lies in ruins, silent witnesses to the people who once lived here.
The mill of Agios Georgios is the only mill to have been consistently renovated and maintained over the years and is thus the most well-preserved example in the valley. Its state of preservation indicates its continued use well into the middle of the previous century. In fact, it’s the only water mill to still have parts of its interior and superstructure intact. Inside the mill, hikers have the opportunity to see the millstones, tangible artifacts of pre-industrial production methods. Apart from the millstones, the fireplace is still visible, as is the cistern. Also visible are the ruins of other structures, possibly grain silos.