The Consell de Mallorca has announced an investment of €2,515,000 to restore 35 historic windmills across 19 municipalities on the island. This initiative aims to preserve the cultural heritage and identity of Mallorca.
During a visit to the privately-owned Can Moreu windmill, President Llorenç Galmés and Vice President and Minister of Culture and Heritage Antònia Roca revealed that Can Moreu will receive €150,000 for its restoration. The funds are part of a multi-year program financed by the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS), which covers 75% of each project's cost, with the remaining 25% contributed by the property owners.
The total investment, including approximately €838,000 from private sources, brings the overall funding for these restoration efforts to €3.35 million. The restoration projects include 22 water extraction windmills, 12 flour mills, and one hydraulic mill.
Galmes emphasized the importance of these windmills, stating, "They are part of our identity and the landscape we want to pass on to future generations." He noted that the Consell de Mallorca supports individuals and organizations striving to preserve this heritage.
Roca described the funding initiative as one of the most significant investments in the conservation of Mallorca's windmill heritage in recent years, reaffirming the institution's commitment to ensuring these structures remain integral to the island's culture and landscape.
Jaume Bauzà, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports, highlighted that this investment demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that tourism taxes benefit society directly by protecting Mallorca's identity, history, and rural landscape. He added that the restoration of these windmills exemplifies inter-institutional collaboration and shared responsibility with private owners.
Out of the 35 projects receiving funding, 25 are from private individuals and entities, totaling €1,824,146.12. Five projects are from companies, amounting to €365,901.43, and five are from municipalities, totaling €324,951.96. Notable restoration projects include the hydraulic mill of Cala Banyalbufar, the windmill d’en Soler in Puigpunyent, the windmill d’en Suau in Llubí, the Can Seda windmill in Lloseta, and the windmill dels Germans in Son Servera, among others.
The restoration works will involve both architectural elements and historical machinery, adhering to heritage conservation criteria and utilizing traditional materials and techniques.
