Ter Biestmolen, watermill in Nederzwalm, Belgium
Ter Biestmolen is a watermill situated on an island in Zwalm, built from brick with three stories beneath a pitched roof. The building still contains two original overshot waterwheels and grinding mechanisms, along with the water channels that once powered the mill's machinery.
The mill was first recorded in 1063 and remained connected to Ename Abbey for centuries. It ground grain and pressed oil from seeds until 1883, when major renovations enlarged the building and improved its efficiency.
The mill served for centuries as a gathering place where local farmers brought their grain for processing. Today visitors can eat and drink inside the old building, keeping the historic site alive as a meeting point.
The mill sits on an accessible island with ample space and a large parking area across the street. Visitors can explore the grounds on foot and access walking trails that follow the Zwalmbeek creek through the surrounding countryside.
During World War I, German forces installed an electric generator inside the building that supplied power to nearby homes and remains visible today. This shows how the mill adapted to new technology and served the village beyond its traditional grinding function.
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