Genezareth, windmill in Hallum, Netherlands
Genezareth is a windmill in Hallum, Friesland, built in 1850 to drain water from the surrounding polder area. The structure stands on a brick base with eight sides and features large sails positioned close to the ground that rotate with the wind to power an Archimedes' screw inside.
The mill was built in 1850 by millwright H. de Vries to drain the Genezareth-Kloosterpolder area. It underwent major restorations in 1958, 1962, and 1980, and in 2006 was designated by local water authorities as an emergency drainage system for periods of heavy rainfall.
The name Genezareth comes from biblical tradition and refers to the region around the Sea of Galilee. The polder area carries this historical reference, connecting the local landscape to a broader spiritual and cultural heritage.
The mill is located at Trekweg 8 in Hallum and can be visited by arrangement. Plan ahead since the working mill may be operating when you arrive, which could affect your visit experience.
The mill features a sloped underside at approximately 17.5 degrees and an Archimedes' screw about 1.3 meters in diameter that moves roughly 600 liters of water per rotation. This engineering design made it remarkably efficient at draining the polder, handling water movement far beyond what manual labor could achieve.
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