Panteli windmills, Traditional stone windmills in Panteli, Leros, Greece
Panteli windmills are cylindrical stone structures with cone-shaped roofs standing on elevated ground above the bay, preserving traditional grinding mechanisms inside. The design uses simple features and wooden components crafted to process grain, with each mill built to catch the strong island winds.
The mills were built in the late 1800s to grind grain and support the local agricultural production and community food supply. They became central to the island's economy and demonstrate how grain processing sustained the population through trade and local use.
The windmills show traditional craftsmanship methods common to Aegean islands, revealing how people once ground grain using wind power instead of modern machinery.
The windmills are reached by a marked path leading uphill from Panteli village, a moderate walk that takes about 15 to 20 minutes on foot. From the top, the view across the bay and open water is excellent, making it a good spot to bring a camera and water to stay comfortable during the climb.
Two of the historic structures have been converted into living spaces while keeping the original stone architecture intact and adding modern facilities inside. Visitors can see this unusual transformation and how traditional buildings have been given new purpose without losing their character.
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