Ta' Kola Windmill

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Ta' Kola Windmill One of the few surviving windmills on the Maltese Islands dating to the Knights' period

In past centuries, weaving looms such as this one photographed at Ta’ Kola Windmill, were a staple in almost every Gozit...
24/09/2026

In past centuries, weaving looms such as this one photographed at Ta’ Kola Windmill, were a staple in almost every Gozitan home. For many generations of women, weaving was more than just a craft: it was an essential trade and a vital part of daily life. These skilled hands transformed local cotton and sheep’s wool into clothes, blankets, carpets, curtains, and bed linen for their families. 🧶

The weaving loom is a fascinating machine that holds the warp (vertical threads) under tension, allowing the weft (horizontal threads) to be interlaced through them. The thickness and quality of the final fabric depended on the type of yarn used and how tightly it was woven. With skill, rhythm, and patience, weavers turned simple threads into beautiful, patterned cloth. 👚👗

The windmill’s mechanism consisted of six large wooden vanes fitted with canvas sails. As the wind turned these sails on...
19/08/2026

The windmill’s mechanism consisted of six large wooden vanes fitted with canvas sails. As the wind turned these sails on the outside, they powered the entire milling system inside the round stone tower. The rotating vanes drove the main shaft, which in turn rotated a series of gearwheels.

The actual grinding of wheat happened between two heavy millstones: the runner stone on top and the fixed bedstone below it. The rotating action of these stones transformed grains of corn into fine flour. This clever technology was essential for daily life, turning local wheat into the flour needed to bake bread for Gozitan families. 🌾🍞

Come and explore this impressive piece of our industrial heritage at Ta’ Kola Windmill!

In the past, cats were a common sight in homes and farmhouses, helping to keep rats and mice away, especially in places ...
13/06/2026

In the past, cats were a common sight in homes and farmhouses, helping to keep rats and mice away, especially in places where animal feed was stored. At windmills, where large quantities of grains were kept, cats were particularly important. 🐀🐭
A small but clever feature at Ta’ Kola Windmill is the ‘cat’s hole’, located in the door jamb of the kitchen door leading to the terrace. This opening allowed cats to come and go freely without the need to leave doors open. Interestingly, these passages were never built straight but instead included a slight bend in the middle. 🐈🐱

While blacksmithing wasn’t the miller’s main trade, the forge played an essential role in keeping the windmill running. ...
08/05/2026

While blacksmithing wasn’t the miller’s main trade, the forge played an essential role in keeping the windmill running. With so many metal components in its mechanism, regular repairs were a must. The miller also supported the local village community by mending tools and shoeing horses and donkeys which were the main means of transport at the time. 🔨⚒

On this day, 126 years ago, Ġużeppi Grech, popularly known as Żeppu ta’ Kola, was born. 🎂 He was the last miller to oper...
12/04/2026

On this day, 126 years ago, Ġużeppi Grech, popularly known as Żeppu ta’ Kola, was born. 🎂

He was the last miller to operate Ta’ Kola Windmill. After returning from Australia in the 1920s, following the death of his father Nicola, Ġużeppi took over the management of the windmill. A reserved and diligent man, he mastered a wide range of skills as demonstrated by the impressive collection of his tools, now displayed at the windmill. 🔨⚒

Through the regular maintenance he carried out on both the machinery and the building, he left the windmill in a remarkably good state, and its survival today owes much to his care and dedication.

🖼 George Apap, 'Żeppu ta’ Kola u l-Mitħna tax-Xagħra, Għawdex', Watercolour on paper, 2024.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at Ta’ Kola Windmill for our Weaving and Traditional Crafts event. It wa...
09/04/2026

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at Ta’ Kola Windmill for our Weaving and Traditional Crafts event. It was wonderful to see our participants engaging so enthusiastically throughout the activity. 🪢

Sharing these traditional skills in this way is always special, and it reminds us how important it is to keep these traditions alive and pass them on.

Thank you for being part of it. ❤

01/04/2026

🇲🇹 Is-siti u l-mużewijiet kollha ta' Heritage Malta se jkunu magħluqin fil-Ġimgħa l-Kbira, it-3 ta' April.

Filwaqt li nixtiqulkom il-paċi f’qalbkom, f’dan iż-żmien ta' riflessjoni u gratitudni, ninsabu ħerqana biex nerġgħu nilqgħukom fil-ħinijiet tal-ftuħ normali tagħna ✝️

🇬🇧 Kindly note that all Heritage Malta museums and sites will be closed on Good Friday, 3rd April.

Whilst wishing you a heart full of peace, in this time of reflection and gratitude, we look forward to welcoming you again during our regular hours ✝️

This unusual artefact, forming part of the kitchen setup at Ta' Kola Windmill was likely assembled from repurposed mater...
25/03/2026

This unusual artefact, forming part of the kitchen setup at Ta' Kola Windmill was likely assembled from repurposed materials and is an authentic example of traditional food-preservation practices in rural Gozo.

Used for air-drying meats and sausages, the container is shaped like a perforated metal cage and would typically be hung on a nail in a cool, dry place. 🍖🥩

Address

Ta' Kola Windmill, Bambina Street
Xagħra
XRA2112

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 18:00
Thursday 10:00 - 18:00
Friday 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday 10:00 - 18:00
Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

Telephone

+35621561071

Website

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