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Xarolla Windmill

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Historical site
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Xarolla Windmill (Malta)

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The Xarolla Windmill in Żurrieq is the only fully functional historical windmill in Malta and a prime example of 18th-century industrial heritage. Built in 1724 by order of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, it served the local population for over two centuries by grinding grain into flour. Following its decline in the 20th century, the windmill underwent extensive restoration in 1992, which saw its wooden internal mechanisms and massive millstones returned to working order. The structure features a cylindrical tower mounted on a square base, which originally served as the miller's living quarters. Remarkably, the site is also adjacent to a series of Paleo-Christian catacombs that were uncovered during conservation efforts, adding layers of historical significance to the area. Today, Xarolla Windmill functions as a cultural hub and museum, providing live demonstrations of traditional milling techniques when wind conditions are suitable, and offering a rare glimpse into the island's pre-industrial economy.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Xarolla Windmill in Żurrieq is a restored windmill that can usually be visited through guided tours or by appointment. The exterior grounds are freely accessible and offer a good view of the sails.
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Typical hours
Opening hours of the windmill vary according to season and events. Typically it is open on weekends or by prior arrangement.
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Photography
Photography outside is permitted at any time. The windmill with its distinctive sails against the blue sky makes an excellent photo subject, especially in the morning.
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Time needed
A visit to the exterior grounds takes about 15 minutes. If you take a guided tour inside, allow 30-45 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine the mill with nearby St. Catherine's Tower or the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (book ahead!). The old town of Żurrieq with its narrow streets is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
The windmill is in Żurrieq and reachable by bus (lines 71, 72) or car. Parking is available on surrounding streets or at the village square.
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Insider tip
Call ahead or check the local council website to see if the mill is open on your visit day. On special events like the Maltese Windmill Day, there are often additional demonstrations.

Geography

Coordinates
35.83190, 14.47440

Facts

  • Built in 1724 by Grand Master Vilhena
  • The only fully functional windmill in Malta
  • Restored to working order in 1992
  • Miller's quarters located in the square base
  • Located next to Paleo-Christian catacombs
  • Features original internal wooden mechanisms

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ŻurrieqŻurrieq<1 km · SExplore →
Kirkop Industrial AreaKirkop Industrial Area1 km · NEExplore →
Vincenti TowerVincenti Tower2 km · NWExplore →
Blue GrottoBlue Grotto2 km · SWExplore →
Malta International AirportMalta International Airport3 km · NExplore →
Limestone Heritage Park & GardensLimestone Heritage Park & Gardens3 km · WExplore →
Bir Miftuħ ChapelBir Miftuħ Chapel3 km · NEExplore →
Hal Far Industrial EstateHal Far Industrial Estate3 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Xarolla Windmill (10)

Parish Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Church building in Żurrieq, Malta.

Madonna tal-Karmnu

Monument in Malta.

Monument Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Monument of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Malta.

Monument Santa Katarina V.M.

Monument of Saint Catherine in Malta.

Il-Katakombi tax-Xarolla

Catacombs in Malta.

Il-Mitħna tax-Xarolla

Windmill in Żurrieq, Malta.

Knisja Parrokkjali ta' San Pawl

Heritage site in Malta.

Knisja ta' Santa Marija ta' Bubaqra

Church building in Żurrieq, Malta.

Chapel of the Annunciation

Church building in Żurrieq, Malta.

Il Maqluba

Viewpoint in Malta.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Xarolla Windmill located?
It is located in the village of Zurrieq in southern Malta.
Is the windmill still functional?
Yes, it has been restored and can grind grain when the wind is right.
Can you visit the inside of the windmill?
Yes, it is often open to visitors on weekends.
Are there archaeological finds nearby?
Yes, right next to the windmill there are some Punic-Roman catacombs.
How old is the windmill?
It was built in 1724 under Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena.
Xarolla Windmill: where is it located?
Xarolla Windmill is located in Malta.
Xarolla Windmill: what is there to see?
Highlights include Parish Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Madonna tal-Karmnu, Monument Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Xarolla Windmill: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Xarolla Windmill: why is it worth visiting?
The Xarolla Windmill in Żurrieq is the only fully functional historical windmill in Malta and a prime example of 18th-century industrial heritage.
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Wied iż-Żurrieq — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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Malta International Airport — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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Santa Luċija Parish Church — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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The parish church at the heart of the Santa Luċija residential estate.
Ghar Lapsi — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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Marsa Horse Racing Track — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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Pretty Bay — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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Ta&#39; Qali Crafts Village — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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Xgħajra Promenade — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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A quiet coastal promenade.

Nature

Blue Grotto — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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A complex of seven sea caves famous for the brilliant blue water.
St. Peter&#39;s Pool — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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A natural rock pool popular with cliff divers.

More places

Kirkop Industrial Area — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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Vincenti Tower — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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A privately owned fortified tower built as a residence.
Limestone Heritage Park &amp; Gardens — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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An experiential museum about the history of Maltese limestone, with a small animal park.
Bir Miftuħ Chapel — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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A remarkably well-preserved medieval chapel.
Hal Far Industrial Estate — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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Playmobil FunPark — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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Concrete Batching Plants — Xarolla Windmill (Malta)
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