Xarolla Windmill
Xarolla Windmill
4
About
Originally built by Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena in 1724, the windmill has been beautifully restored to its original working order. It is now the only functioning windmill on the Maltese islands. You can visit the miller's workshop, the miller's family residence on the first floor and the fully functioning milling room at the very top of the windmill. Guided tours in various languages can be arranged on Saturdays and Sundays (mornings only) and by appointment during weekdays.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.0
41 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
9
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8
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2
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cettina b
2 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
Certainly worth a visit, on the small hill of Zurrieq, a few kilometers from Luqa Airport, is the surprisingly quaint windmill named Xarolla. A must for tourist and locals, this restored and renovated mill is the only one on the island having its original wooden and canvas sails.
The living quarters, (George the curator and ancestors used to live here), are at the ground floor. Whilst above, climbing the spiral staircase built from local stone, leads to the “working area” where you discover the wooden gears, mechanism, and the actual, heavy grinding stones used in those remote days. Nostalgically, this makes one feel as being a part of the unique and ancient tradition of making flour, which lost its importance with the coming of more modern, faster and efficient machines.
Just outside, there are remains and excavations from the Punic and Roman periods, and a small charming little chapel.
Definitely worth visiting!
The living quarters, (George the curator and ancestors used to live here), are at the ground floor. Whilst above, climbing the spiral staircase built from local stone, leads to the “working area” where you discover the wooden gears, mechanism, and the actual, heavy grinding stones used in those remote days. Nostalgically, this makes one feel as being a part of the unique and ancient tradition of making flour, which lost its importance with the coming of more modern, faster and efficient machines.
Just outside, there are remains and excavations from the Punic and Roman periods, and a small charming little chapel.
Definitely worth visiting!
Written 24 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernard S
Il Gzira, Malta1 contribution
Jun 2014 • Friends
I have visited the small island of Malta on various occasions because of its history and natural beauty, but was surprised with another little gem, recently added to the long list of attractions.
This is the Xarolla windmill at the quaint village of Zurrieq.
Looking from the outside the two story structure looks like any other or the score of windmills scattered around Malta and its twin sister, Gozo. But on entering, one discovers the loving care and artistry with which the windmill was restored and refurbished to be given the life and importance it once possessed.
A very interesting guided tour was given by the curator George Sammut who besides being very knowledge about the history and working of the windmill is a descendent of the original miller who owed, lived and worked in the place.
As an added bonus, below and around the windmill, of interesting archaeological value are the Punic and Roman catacombs. Just a few meters away a small chapel is worth a visit.
All this is included in entrance fee of a mere €3.
This is the Xarolla windmill at the quaint village of Zurrieq.
Looking from the outside the two story structure looks like any other or the score of windmills scattered around Malta and its twin sister, Gozo. But on entering, one discovers the loving care and artistry with which the windmill was restored and refurbished to be given the life and importance it once possessed.
A very interesting guided tour was given by the curator George Sammut who besides being very knowledge about the history and working of the windmill is a descendent of the original miller who owed, lived and worked in the place.
As an added bonus, below and around the windmill, of interesting archaeological value are the Punic and Roman catacombs. Just a few meters away a small chapel is worth a visit.
All this is included in entrance fee of a mere €3.
Written 14 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
masamm79
Zurrieq, Malta16 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
The Xarolla Windmill is a great place to visit. There you will find the curator Mr. George Sammut who is a walking encyclopedia. He will give you full explanation. Great place for history lovers, architecture lovers and windmill lovers as this is the only working windmill in the Maltese Islands.
Written 15 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew M
Zurrieq1 contribution
Oct 2015 • Friends
The windmill is very well preserved and is a must to visit if you travel to Zurrieq in Malta.
The owner is very friendly and will guide you through the History of the windmill along with the displays and information.
10/10 An excellent and must see location.
The owner is very friendly and will guide you through the History of the windmill along with the displays and information.
10/10 An excellent and must see location.
Written 25 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amabe013
Mosta, Malta5 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Me and my family visited the windmill known as Xarolla (one of many on the island of Gozo) in Zurrieq and were pleasantly surprised to find such a historical and interesting attraction.
The windmill is kept in a very good condition and we were amazed that it is relatively an undiscovered attraction and definitely worth a visit.
The curator explained that tours are also given in French, Italian and English. It was also interesting to learn about the archeological value of the Punic and Roman catacombs that surround the windmill.
Cart ruts indicate that the area was an important and very old route in ancient times.
The entrance fee is just €3.00 per person also includes a visit to the quaint chapel right next to the windmill.
I highly recommend this attraction to both Maltese and foreign tourists whilst enjoying their stay in Malta.
The windmill is kept in a very good condition and we were amazed that it is relatively an undiscovered attraction and definitely worth a visit.
The curator explained that tours are also given in French, Italian and English. It was also interesting to learn about the archeological value of the Punic and Roman catacombs that surround the windmill.
Cart ruts indicate that the area was an important and very old route in ancient times.
The entrance fee is just €3.00 per person also includes a visit to the quaint chapel right next to the windmill.
I highly recommend this attraction to both Maltese and foreign tourists whilst enjoying their stay in Malta.
Written 30 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniela Pisani Scalpello
Zurrieq, Malta6 contributions
Feb 2019
Beautifully well restored and curated windmill. It is worth visiting this windmill in Zurrieq since it is the only one of its kind in Malta.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra C
Zurrieq, Malta30 contributions
Sept 2019 • Family
A very interesting historic place to visit.
Excellently maintained and a very informative guide. Suggest to all those who love history to visit.
Excellently maintained and a very informative guide. Suggest to all those who love history to visit.
Written 15 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malta G
Siggiewi, Malta52 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
The Xarolla Windmill is one of only two on the islands that still have sails and blades. Out of these two, it's the only one that can still grind corn. It was also built back in 1724 by the Knights of Saint John.
These facts make it interesting to visit, but the best part for me was meeting George, the caretaker and son of the last miller. If you visit at the weekend (mornings), he'll take you on a tour of the property (for no extra cost). His insight proved valuable for me, and his tales about when he used to live in the place really made it an exceptional experience. A sizeable collection of traditional furniture and equipment is also found inside.
The windmill is also situated within walking distance of Zurrieq centre, and a medieval chapel, along with Roman and Punic catacombs are just next to it, which are worth checking out. The Blue Grotto is a short bus ride from the area. jk
All in all, the Xarolla Windmill is a mini ethnography museum definitely worth visiting if you're in the area.
These facts make it interesting to visit, but the best part for me was meeting George, the caretaker and son of the last miller. If you visit at the weekend (mornings), he'll take you on a tour of the property (for no extra cost). His insight proved valuable for me, and his tales about when he used to live in the place really made it an exceptional experience. A sizeable collection of traditional furniture and equipment is also found inside.
The windmill is also situated within walking distance of Zurrieq centre, and a medieval chapel, along with Roman and Punic catacombs are just next to it, which are worth checking out. The Blue Grotto is a short bus ride from the area. jk
All in all, the Xarolla Windmill is a mini ethnography museum definitely worth visiting if you're in the area.
Written 7 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cricketman_10
United Kingdom1,300 contributions
Sept 2016 • Friends
Originally built by Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena in 1724, the windmill has been beautifully restored to its original working order. There you will find the curator Mr. George Sammut who is a walking encyclopaedia.
You can visit the miller's workshop, the miller's family residence on the first floor and the fully functioning milling room at the very top of the windmill. The entrance fee is just €3.00 per person also includes a visit to the quaint chapel right next to the windmill. I highly recommend this attraction whist in the blue grotto area if you have time.
You can visit the miller's workshop, the miller's family residence on the first floor and the fully functioning milling room at the very top of the windmill. The entrance fee is just €3.00 per person also includes a visit to the quaint chapel right next to the windmill. I highly recommend this attraction whist in the blue grotto area if you have time.
Written 14 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dutchclogs
The Netherlands32 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
I joined a private half day tour organised by another member of the Roll Call for the Celebrity Constellation cruise ship which called in Malta over the Assumption of Mary public holidays. The tour also included the Blue grotto and Tarxien temples. Living in the Netherlands, I was curious to see this historic working windmill. The miller curator opened especially for our group of 12.and was a pure delight to listen to. It was especially impressive to learn that his mother, now in her late eighties still lives in what was one of several working family windmills.
Would highly recommend visit if in the area
Would highly recommend visit if in the area
Written 24 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is the windmill going to be opened tomorrow sunday th 25th of November please ?
Written 24 November 2018
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