Ta’ Kola Windmill: A Glimpse into Gozitan Rural Life

Ta’ Kola Windmill, located in the village of Xagħra on Gozo, offers a unique glimpse into the island's rural past. Built in 1725 during the rule of the Knights of St. John under Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena, it was one of several windmills constructed to grind wheat into flour, a vital food source for the local community. The windmill's name, Ta' Kola, comes from Nikola (Kola) Grech, the last miller who operated it.The windmill consists of a central cylindrical tower surrounded by several rooms across two floors. The ground floor houses a workshop filled with historic tools used for carpentry, smithing, and stone dressing, essential for maintaining the mill. The first floor recreates the miller's family living quarters, complete with period furniture, traditional utensils, and Gozitan crafts.Inside, visitors can explore the milling mechanism, climb the spiral staircase to the upper part of the tower, and view the collection of tools. Exhibits showcase the skills required to keep the windmill operational, including carpentry and blacksmithing. The living quarters offer a glimpse into the domestic life of the miller's family, with a dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms furnished in traditional style.Ta’ Kola Windmill remained in operation until 1960. Thanks to the efforts of Ġużeppi Grech's family, the last miller, and later Heritage Malta, the windmill has been remarkably preserved and now functions as a museum.