Mallorca Promotes the Restoration of its Traditional Mills

The project

Mills are part of Mallorca's characteristic landscape, witnesses to a past tied to farming and the use of natural resources. Despite their abundance and cultural relevance, many of these structures are now in a worrying state of deterioration. In light of this, the Council of Mallorca has launched an initiative to boost their conservation with the financial support of funds derived from Sustainable Tourism Tax.

The project includes a public funding call aimed at individuals and organisations that own mills on the island. With a total budget of €3 million, up to 75% of the cost of every mill restored is expected to be funded. The rest must be covered by the applicants, thus establishing a model of collaboration between the government and citizens. Restoration work must comply with accurate heritage standards through the use of traditional materials and techniques.

Four main types of mills are included: flour windmills, windpumps, watermills and horse-driven mills. Each type will receive specific support according to their structural and functional needs. For example, flour windmills are expected to see the reconstruction of their cap and blade systems, while work on waterpumps and horse-driven mills will focus on preserving the mechanisms. All restoration shall follow strict conservation criteria.

Beyond this material objective, the project aims to reinforce the collective memory and raise awareness of this valuable heritage. Some of the restored mills will be open to the public, featuring information panels to explain their history and function.