Windmills in Campo de Criptana, Historic windmills in Campo de Criptana, Spain.
The windmills of Campo de Criptana are white stone structures standing on a hilltop, with conical roofs and wooden sails that catch the wind across the Manchegan plains. Several of them preserve their original grinding machinery and remain accessible for people to walk through and explore.
Around 34 mills were operating here during the 16th century, grinding grain into flour for surrounding La Mancha communities. Most have disappeared, but the remaining ones still show how central these installations were to the region's agricultural economy.
The windmills shape how locals and visitors picture this region, serving as symbols of La Mancha's agricultural past. They remain central to how people understand the area's character and connection to its literary heritage.
The hilltop is reachable on foot and offers open views across the surrounding countryside. Good walking shoes are recommended since the path can be steep and uneven in places.
One of the mills houses a museum dedicated to Sara Montiel, a Spanish singer and actress born in this town. The museum displays photographs and garments from her career in entertainment.
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