De Os, Historic windmill in Zaanse Schans, Netherlands.
De Os is a wooden windmill at Zaanse Schans with large rotating sails that rise above the surrounding landscape. The mill contains multiple floors with grinding machinery that reflects the working layout of traditional milling operations.
The mill replaced an earlier wooden post mill dating to 1400 and received a diesel engine in the 1930s to ensure production during periods of weak wind. These modifications allowed it to operate more reliably before later restoration efforts.
De Os means 'The Ox', a name reflecting the animal naming tradition common among mills in this region. The mill demonstrates how such structures were woven into daily life and the practical needs of farming communities.
Wear sturdy shoes as the floors in the lower levels are uneven and the stairs leading up are steep and narrow. The best experience comes on dry days when you can safely navigate the tight spaces and see the working areas clearly.
During World War II, German forces used the structure as an observation post, then it underwent gradual restoration after the war to return to its original state. Evidence of this military use remains visible in the building's fabric today.
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