De Akkermolen, Post mill in Zundert, Netherlands.
De Akkermolen is a post mill in Zundert designed for grain processing with a structure that rotates on a central vertical pivot point. The building features four sails with roughly 23 meters of span that drive a gear system containing 71 cogs, which work with special milling stones to process grain.
The original mill at this site was destroyed by Spanish troops in 1584, leading to the construction of the current structure in 1605. After roughly 345 years of active operation, the mill ceased grain processing in 1950.
The mill bears inscriptions left by millers and assistants from 1804, showing the connection between the people who worked here. These handwritten marks remain visible today and tell stories of the daily labor that took place inside.
The interior can be visited every Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and group visits can be arranged in advance. It is helpful to contact ahead to confirm your visit and ensure smooth entry to the building.
The entire wooden building rotates on its central axis to align with the wind direction and achieve optimal grinding results. This rotating system allowed the mill to operate efficiently for many decades without requiring complicated adjustments.
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