The Windmills of Paxos: A Detailed Exploration of the Island’s Historical Treasures
Paxos, one of the jewels of the Ionian Sea, is known for its serene beaches, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters. However, beyond its natural beauty, the island holds a rich historical and cultural heritage, symbolized by its ancient windmills. Scattered across the island, these mills once played a vital role in the local economy, grinding wheat, oats, and barley for the island’s residents. Today, they stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era, many of them declared protected monuments by the Ministry of Culture in Greece.
This blog explores the history and significance of Paxos’ windmills, with a particular focus on detailed accounts from Archduke Ludwig Salvator’s book Paxos and Antipaxos, written during his stay between 1884 and 1885, and insights into specific mills like the Lesianitis and Loggos windmills.
The History of Paxos’ Windmills
Between the years 1650 and 1900, windmills were a cornerstone of daily life on Paxos, grinding grains to provide flour for bread, a staple of the local diet. More than 20 windmills were built, mostly on the island’s hillsides where they could catch the strong winds needed to rotate their sails. These windmills, typically cylindrical in shape, featured a stone staircase leading to the upper levels, where the actual milling took place. The internal mechanism was complex, with millstones and cogs working in harmony to turn grain into flour.
Archduke Ludwig Salvator, an Austrian nobleman who traveled extensively across the Mediterranean, provides a rare and detailed look at Paxos during the late 19th century. In his book Paxos and Antipaxos, he notes that by 1885, Paxos had four rotating mills powered by horses, three in Gaios and one in Lakka. These mills could grind between 100 and 200 okas of grain per day (an oka being approximately 1.28 kilograms), equating to around 2-3 kilograms per hour.
He also observed that the windmills were primarily made from stone, with four symmetrically placed windows at the top and stone steps leading to the grinding area. The millstones were imported from Milos, a famous center of stone quarrying, and were assembled locally, while the cogwheels were made in Corfu.
The Structure and Design of the Windmills
The windmills of Paxos were circular constructions, built with either a pseudo-ashlar system or irregular stones. At their base, called the “kotornos,” they were twice the diameter of the upper part of the structure, giving them a solid foundation. Inside, an internal stone staircase led to the top, where the milling took place. The windows at the top of the mills not only allowed ventilation and light but also provided stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The roof of each mill was designed to rotate, allowing the sails to catch the wind from any direction. The large sails, which were held together by ropes or iron cables, turned the heavy wooden pole attached to the millstone. Below the grinding mechanism, sacks of grain were fed into a double hopper, which directed the grain down to the grinding stones. The flour would then fall into a box below, ready to be collected and used by the local villagers.
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Lesianitis Mill in Mousmouli (1780-1790): A Glimpse into the Past
One of the oldest and most significant windmills on Paxos is the Lesianitis Mill, located in the Mousmouli area. This mill is documented to have existed before 1795 when it was repaired by master miller Stamatis Kouvalias from Preveza. The mill was owned by a group of local families, including the Velianitis family, and passed through several hands over the years. By 1825, the mill’s value had increased significantly, with Christos Linaras compensating the other owners with olive trees worth 3,700 ducats, a considerable sum at the time.
Today, the Lesianitis Mill stands as a historical relic, offering visitors an enchanting glimpse into Paxos’ agricultural past. Though now in ruins, the mill’s architecture and the surrounding landscape still captivate those who visit. From the top of the mill, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the island’s capital, Gaios, all the way to Antipaxos.
For more details and pictures check out the dedicated page for the Lesianitis Mill.
Loggos Mill: The Last Windmill in Operation
The Loggos Mill, also known as Stavrakis Anemogiannis’ Mill, is another important historical site on Paxos. It was operational until the beginning of the 20th century, grinding wheat at a rate of one kilogram every 72 minutes (20 okas). The Loggos Mill was the last windmill to cease operations, marking the end of an era for Paxos’ milling industry.
Perched on a hill in the village of Loggos, this windmill not only played a vital economic role but also offers one of the island’s most stunning views. From its elevated position, visitors are treated to a sweeping vista of the sea and surrounding landscape. The mill’s proximity to the coastline makes it a popular spot for watching the sunset, with the sky transforming into a canvas of brilliant colors as the day comes to a close.
For more details and pictures check out the dedicated page for the Loggos Mill.
The Decline of Windmills on Paxos
By the early 20th century, advances in technology and the changing economic landscape led to the decline of traditional windmills on Paxos. Many of the mills were abandoned, with only a few remaining operational into the early 1900s. Unemployment and the introduction of modern milling techniques meant that these once-essential structures were no longer needed.
Today, the majority of Paxos’ windmills lie in ruins, though a few have been restored and transformed into vacation rentals. These restored mills allow visitors to experience the island’s history in a unique and immersive way, staying in a piece of architectural history while enjoying the stunning views that these mills offer.
The Windmills of Paxos: Monuments of Cultural Heritage
In 1985, the windmills of Paxos were officially declared monuments of historical and cultural heritage, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Though many are no longer operational, their presence on the island serves as a reminder of Paxos’ agricultural past and the ingenuity of its people.
For visitors to the island, the windmills provide a fascinating glimpse into the island’s history, as well as an opportunity to enjoy some of the best views Paxos has to offer. Whether you’re standing at the top of the Lesianitis Mill or watching the sunset from the Loggos Mill, these historical landmarks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion
The windmills of Paxos are not just architectural relics; they are symbols of the island’s rich cultural and historical heritage. From the meticulously crafted stone structures to the intricate milling mechanisms, each windmill tells a story of a time when they played an essential role in the daily lives of the island’s residents. Today, they stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with Paxos’ past while taking in its natural beauty.
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