Ta’ Kola Windmill
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Dating from around 1725, the Ta’ Kola Windmill is a fascinating insight into Maltese life - even more so if, like me, you were previously uninformed about the history surrounding these islands. Featuring reconstructions of the workshop, furnace, living quarters, and milling equipment, the site offer an immersive insight into the experience of those that lived in and around the windmill, revealing its operation to be a communal undertaking rather than the efforts of a single person. Considering that the entrance fee is included that with of the nearby Ġgantija Temples, the Ta’ Kola Windmill is more than a worthwhile extension to what already promises to be a fascinating experience. However, this benefit leads directly to its main downside. Arguably, one of the main downsides to the windmill is that its enjoyment is almost directly associated with being an included extra to visits to the Ġgantija Temples and offers little as an isolated experience, unless visitors have a specific interest in windmills or the historical period to which it relates. People with reduced mobility should be mindful of the challenges that are associated with historic sites, particularly the stairs leading to higher levels of the windmill, but should not be discouraged from engaging with the site.
Aaron SimpsonAaron Simpson
00
Sitting on top of a hill in Xaghra village is Ta'Kola Windmill, a beautifully restored example which was built in the 1780's. It changed ownership many times over the years, but came into the hands of the Grech family who kept it operating until 1987 when it's last miller, Guzeppi Grech passed away. He'd taken it over from his father in 1926, and his grandfather before him. The family not only produced flour, but in times of strong winds when the sails were locked, Guzeppi would retreat to his workshop and concentrate on sharpening tools, repairing carts, wine barrels and shoeing horses. The women would split raw cotton and weave using looms, they would also grade flour which was kept in storerooms within the windmill. The building was restored in 1992 and opened to the public, but after an intense storm damaged the sails, Heritage Malta decided to fully reconstruct the windmill, including the sails and milling equipment to take it back to its original operational condition.
Ian ScalesIan Scales
00
Entry to the museum is €10 on a combined ticket with the nearby Ggantija Archeological park (the latter makes is worthwhile) or €13 as part of a combined ticket that includes 5 Citadella museums in Victoria (Citadella visitor centre), museum of archaeology, old prison, Gran Castillo historic house, and nature museum) as well as the Ggantija Archeological park and Ta Kola windmill. The windmill makes for an enjoyable 15 minute visit, but I wouldn't trek out to Ggantija just to see it. It is also wholly unsuitable for people who cannot handle lots of twisting stairs (you can see it from the outside though). The windmill is prettier on the outside than the inside, so you may not wish to actually pay for entry of you don't have a ticket for the nearby Archeological park.
Tom HolderTom Holder
00
This exhibit is worth the trip if you are making the rounds to the sites around Gozo especially since it is within walking distance of the Ggantija temple. You can buy a combo ticket to see both. The exhibit itself is a short experience, about 30 minutes to review most of the info cards and artifacts. It is eye opening to learn how impactful windmills were to commerce and even military production as late as up to World War 2. You can climb to the top inside the windmill and view the mechanisms that at one time we're functional. Also provides a good view of the surrounding area.
Kristopher MurrayKristopher Murray
00
Once upon a time, the windmill was a common building on the Maltese archipelago, unfortunately, there are only a handful left (in complete condition) today. The Ta'Kola Windmill is one of them and it also has a museum that you can visit. The windmill, like most of the mills on Gozo and Malta, was built in 1725 by the Knights of St. John. The museum offers an interesting insight into the life of a miller (and various other crafts) from the 18th/19th century.
KoenKoen
00
It was wonderful to be able to see a few windmills while visiting Malta. I did not realize how important the miller was to the area - and how people counted on his services. It was great - that we could wander through each of the rooms, see how the miller and his family lived, and to realize just how old the surviving windmill is. It's origins go back to 1725! Malta is filled with so much history and culture - this is a definite must if you go there.
Theresa St. JohnTheresa St. John
00
Nearby Attractions Of Ta’ Kola Windmill
it-Tempji tal-Ġgantija
Xerri's Grotto
Ninu's Cave
Ġgantija
it-Tempji tal-Ġgantija
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Xerri's Grotto
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Ninu's Cave
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Ġgantija
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Nearby Restaurants Of Ta’ Kola Windmill
Xi-Xi
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Il Bambina, Ix-Xagħra XRA 2112, Malta
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+356 2156 1071
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Website
heritagemalta.mt
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4.3
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cultural
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Description
Ta' Kola Windmill, Maltese: Il-Mitħna ta' Kola, is a windmill in the village of Xagħra, on the island of Gozo in the Maltese archipelago. It was built in 1725 by the Fondazione Vilhena of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena, and was rebuilt in the 1780s. It became a museum in 1992.
attractions: it-Tempji tal-Ġgantija, Xerri's Grotto, Ninu's Cave, Ġgantija, restaurants: Xi-Xi
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