De Kaai, Historic gristmill in Sloten, Netherlands.
De Kaai is a wooden stellingmill located in Sloten that stands as a protected national monument. The structure displays traditional Dutch mill architecture with wooden cladding and rotating sails designed to harness wind energy for grinding grain.
The mill received official protection as a national heritage site in September 1968, securing its status as a valuable historical structure. This designation ensured the preservation of its original design and operation.
The mill served generations of local farmers who brought their grain to be processed into flour. Its position in the community made it a gathering point where people discussed harvests and farming conditions.
The mill is located on Bolwerk Zuidzijde street in Sloten and welcomes visitors during operating hours. Guided tours are available to explain how the traditional grinding mechanisms work and transform grain into flour.
The grinding mechanisms inside remain in their original form and still function, making it a rare example of preserved traditional milling technology. Visitors can observe how wind power directly drives the rotating millstones to process grain.
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