De Verrekijker, Tower windmill in Bergharen, Netherlands
De Verrekijker is a three-story tower windmill in Bergharen featuring four sails that span across the flat Gelderland countryside. The structure operates as a complete mechanical system with brake wheels and a roof-covered rotating cap for directing the sails toward the wind.
A windmill has occupied this site since 1313, though the original structure was destroyed by lightning in 1903. The present building was constructed in 1904 to replace it and has served different purposes since then.
The mill displays traditional Dutch craftsmanship through its cast iron windshaft and distinctive roof-covered cap design. Visitors can see how the structure served as a viewing point across the flat landscape below.
The mill stands on protected monument status and is easily visible from public roads surrounding the property. Access to the interior is limited as the building operates as a private holiday accommodation.
The name De Verrekijker means The Spyglass, reflecting how the elevated position allowed people to observe across the flat terrain below. This dual purpose as both a working mill and a viewing tool made it a special landmark for the community.
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