Windmills in Alcázar de San Juan

The windmills of Alcázar de San Juan are traditional stone structures standing on a hill, with three floors serving different purposes. The lowest floor held living quarters, the middle section served for grain storage, and the machinery for grinding occupied the top.

Built in the 16th century, these mills were essential for grain processing across the La Mancha region for centuries. They have shaped the landscape and remain a tangible link to the area's agricultural past.

The mills shape how people understand the local landscape and agricultural heritage of the region. Walking among them, you can see how central they were to the daily rhythm of work and survival in La Mancha.

You can walk through the interiors to see how the machinery worked. Some of the mills still operate and demonstrate milling techniques regularly for visitors.

Each mill features twelve windows positioned around the upper floor, which allowed millers to monitor wind direction from any angle. This clever design shows how the builders understood the practical needs of the work.