A model of a traditional Maltese windmill at Montekristo Estates
This is a list of windmills in Malta, that include those on Malta and Gozo. Most windmills (Maltese: imtieħen tar-riħ)[1][2] in Malta were built while the islands were under the rule of the Order of St. John,[1] by the Cottoner and the Manoel Foundations,[3] while other were built in the British Colonial period. There are 48 windmills (apart from those demolished that would add up to at least 69)[4] which were included on the antiques list of 1932[5] and scheduled as cultural buildings by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA).[6] The windmills form an integral part of Maltese history.[7] Those in the countryside were used exclusively for food production, such as wheat, barley or vines, while some of those within the fortified walled cities in Valletta and the Three Cities had a military use, for the production of gunpowder.[8]
At the time of construction, each windmills' tower could site the next windmill from distance, similar to military watchtowers, in order to learn whether the others are working on that day.[9] An instrument called bronja, colloquially known as tronga, is commonly associated with the functioning of windmills. The tronja is a sea snail that is modified, with a hole at one end, and when blown it creates a strong noise reaching a large distance in a given Maltese village. This was useful to inform the people that the windmills are operating that day due to being a windy day, by which the sails turn for general function.[10][11]
The architecture of a windmill could differ from one to another, but in general a Maltese windmill has similar characteristics. A tower has a built circular staircase inside it that leads to the top. Rooms are built around the tower, giving both support to the tower and used for the general storage of production. A windmill could simultaneously be the family residence of the miller. Each tower has an approximate height of 15 meters and a radius of 1.5 meters.[9] A functioning Maltese windmill has six sails.[12] The first mills were built in the 16th century, however these were post mills. The oldest tower mills were built in the late 17th century on the island of Malta while the latest were built on Gozo in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. The windmills were eventually replaced with the industrial development of steam mills, circa 1900, but managed to keep competitive production throughout the mid-twentieth century.[9]
Malta has the highest density of windmills in the world, having approximately a windmill for each 9 km2 (3.5 sq mi), which is higher than the Netherlands which is famous for its windmills. At one point there were more than the present amount of windmills on the islands, but many were demolished over the years. Despite the survival of a significant number of windmills, only three still have their sails in place. Other more traditional mills in Malta include those that made use of animals, such as horses and donkeys, to turn the mill.[13]
Built by Gregorio Carafa, and possibly rebuilt in 1807. Remained in use until 1886.[15] The base still exist while the mill’s parts were sold out in 1889. It has been a residence since then.[16]
Built by the Manoel Foundation. Contains a niche of St. Michael.[17] Remained in use until 1929, and sails were subsequently removed. Later used as a blacksmith's workshop. Restored in 1985–89 and converted into an artist's studio.[18]
2 side-by-side windmills built by the Cottoner Foundation. One remained in use until c. 1916. Sails removed. Its mechanism was used to restore the Xarolla Windmill.[21][22]
Built by the Cottoner Foundation. Has a round base. Remained in use until 1889, and sails were subsequently removed. Later used as a blacksmith's forge. Restored in 1991–92 and used for socio-cultural activities.[29]
Probably built by Giovanni Paolo Lascaris or Gregorio Carafa. Remained in use until c. 1889, and pulled down in July 1943. Rebuilt after World War II but demolished again in c. 1985.[30]
Façade bears the coat of arms of Gregorio Carafa (reigned 1680–90). It was rebuilt in 1757 by the architect Francesco Zerafa and master mason Nicola Camilleri, and this is commemorated by an inscription below the coat of arms. Remained in use until 1925, and sails were removed in c. 1928.[34]
Built by Ramon Perellos y Roccaful. Sails removed c. 1960 but most of the machinery is still present. Partially restored in 2002. Converted into a house.[40]
Built by the Cottoner Foundation. Remained in use until 1884. Was later used as an abattoir and a lime kiln. Tower demolished and base converted into a house.[62][63]
Built by the Manoel Foundation. Restored a number of times, and is one of the few windmills in Malta which are preserved in working order. Open to the public as a museum.[71]
Built by the Manoel Foundation. This windmill was poorly constructed, and it was demolished in c. 1787. Il-Ġdida Windmill was built in another location to replace it.[80]
Built by the Cammilleri brothers. Remained in use until c. 1900, and sails were removed in c. 1940. It was subsequently used as a limekiln, and its tower was shortened.[84]
Remained in use until 1960. Restored a number of times, and is one of the few windmills in Malta which are preserved in working order. Open to the public as a museum.[89]
Possibly the last windmill to be built in the Maltese Islands. Built by Fortun Bonello. His son George Bonello dismantled it in c. 1940 and rebuilt it a few kilometres away. It was demolished in c. 1960.[91][92]
^Lanfranco, G. (1983). "Tal-Mitħna tar-Riħ"(PDF). L-Imnara. 2 (2). Rivista tal-Għaqda Maltija tal-Folklor: 37. Archived from the original(PDF) on 18 April 2017.
^Zammit, Winston L. (2002). "Il-Mithna ta' l-Imriehel"(PDF). Ghaqda Muzikali Santa Elena, Festa Birkirkara (in Maltese): 135, 137.
^"Niche of St Michael"(PDF). National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. 27 August 2012. Archived from the original(PDF) on 19 August 2016.
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