Art and History: Molino de Viento, Gran Canaria

When kitschy kitchen supplies surround a windmill, stop and wander around like you’re Alice in Wonderland on Gran Canaria.

Driving down from the mountains to the coast on GC-200 through the town of Mogán you can’t miss Molino de Viento.

In the Canary Islands you are  likely to see windmills, especially Fuerteventura, but I wasn’t shocked to see the structure here as much surprised by the super-sized appliances which begged me to stop and take a closer look.

A coffee percolator, teakettle, table, and chairs are just some of the oddities you will find all set within a lovely cactus garden.

It’s centerpiece the windmill was likely built in the 19th century, the oldest in the area and the largest to ever exist on the island. It is also referred to as Molino Quemado, the Burnt Windmill, because in 1875 it was badly damaged by a fire. Magnificently restored, you can enter the two-story windmill and observe its mechanisms.

Personally, I came upon this eccentric display by chance – but I would recommend making a point to plan your route past this roadside attraction.

The site is free to enter.

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