Ta’ Kola Windmill: A Glimpse into Gozitan Rural Life

Ta’ Kola Windmill, located in the village of Xagħra on Gozo, is one of the few remaining windmills on the Maltese Islands. Constructed in 1725 during the reign of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena and rebuilt in the 1780s, it offers a glimpse into the island's rural heritage. The windmill's name, Ta' Kola, is derived from Nikola (Kola) Grech, the last miller who operated it.The structure consists of a round central tower surrounded by several rooms. The sails and milling machinery have been meticulously restored, allowing visitors to see how the windmill functioned. The ground floor houses a workshop with a vast array of historic tools, reflecting the miller's role as both grain grinder and artisan. The first floor showcases the recreated living quarters of the miller and his family, complete with traditional furniture, utensils, and Gozitan crafts.When the wind was favorable, the miller would signal the villagers by blowing a triton-shell (bronja) to announce that they could bring their grain to be ground into flour. The site is now a museum under the care of Heritage Malta. Visitors can explore the restored interior, climb the narrow stairs to see the original milling gear, and learn about the ingenuity and resilience of Gozitan villagers in the pre-industrial age.