Ta’ Kola Windmill: A Glimpse into Gozitan Rural Life

Ta’ Kola Windmill, located in the village of Xagħra on Gozo, offers a captivating journey into the island's rural past. Built in 1725 during the reign of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena of the Knights of St. John, and rebuilt in the 1780s, it stands as one of the few remaining windmills in Malta that still features its sails and internal milling mechanisms.The windmill, named after Nikola (Kola) Grech, the last miller who operated it, provides a glimpse into the life of a traditional miller and craftsman. The ground floor showcases a workshop filled with tools used for carpentry, smithing, and stone dressing, reflecting the skills needed to maintain the windmill. The first floor recreates the miller's family living quarters, complete with period furniture, a kitchen with traditional utensils, and bedrooms.Visitors can explore the central cylindrical tower, which houses the original circular grinding stones used to crush grain into flour. The museum also displays a collection of tools, offering a tangible connection to the past and showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Gozitan villagers. Ta’ Kola Windmill provides an immersive experience, transporting visitors back to a simpler time and offering a deeper understanding of Gozo's cultural heritage.