Windmills in Cartagena, Spain

The windmills in Cartagena are stone structures that rise across the flat landscape of Campo de Cartagena, with rotating wooden sails that catch the wind. Each one features a cylindrical or polygonal main body that houses the milling mechanisms carved from local stone.

These mills were built in the 18th century to process grain for the expanding agricultural communities of the region. Over time they fell into disuse as modern machinery and industrial mills replaced the need for traditional windmilling.

The windmills shaped how people in this region worked with the land, serving as focal points in the agricultural community for centuries. They represent a craft tradition that connected farmers, millers, and the seasonal rhythms of grain production in everyday life.

The mills are scattered across the Campo de Cartagena landscape and are best reached via the N-332 highway from the city center. The open terrain offers little shelter from sun and wind, so bring water and wear appropriate clothing for outdoor conditions.

Hidden inside the structures are the original grinding mechanisms made from local stone, revealing how millers engineered solutions long ago. These internal details demonstrate technical skill that surprises many visitors who expect only simple wind-powered machines.