Consuegra: The Town of Windmills and Saffron

 f you love Spain and its rich history, you shouldn't miss visiting the windmills in Consuegra. This picturesque village lies about 60 km south of Toledo and is famous for its collection of 12 white windmills atop the Cerro Calderico hill. The windmills are symbols of the La Mancha region and were the inspiration for the famous novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. In this article, you will learn more about the history, technology, and current use of these unique structures, as well as other tourist attractions in the area.

History of the Windmills in Consuegra

Windmills began to be built in La Mancha in the 16th and 17th centuries as an alternative to water mills, which were insufficient due to the dry climate. The mills were used to grind grain and other crops into flour or animal feed. They were constructed from stone or bricks and had conical roofs covered with metal sheets that turned according to the wind direction. Four wooden blades were driven by the wind, transferring power to a vertical shaft inside the mill. This shaft then moved a horizontal gear wheel that turned the grinding stone.

Originally, there were 13 windmills in Consuegra, but one was destroyed by lightning. The remaining 12 mills have been gradually restored and preserved as cultural landmarks. Each mill has its own name, some named after characters from Don Quixote (e.g., Sancho, Rucio, Clavileño), others after their owners or functions (e.g., Bolero, Espartero, Caballero del Verde Gabán). Some mills are used as museums, galleries, or souvenir shops, while others are still operational and demonstrate traditional milling during special occasions.

Interesting Facts about the Windmills in Consuegra

The windmills are part of the so-called Don Quixote Route, connecting places mentioned in Cervantes' novel. One of the most famous scenes in the book is when Don Quixote fights the windmills, thinking they are giants.

The oldest and most valuable mill is Sancho, built in 1578 and still operating in the traditional way. It was the first mill declared a cultural monument (BIC) in Spain. This mill is also known as "Don Quixote's mill" because it houses a statue of the famous knight. You can explore its original equipment and learn more about how it worked. Another interesting mill is Espartero, used as a gallery and exhibition space for artworks. Here you can see paintings, photographs, and ceramics. If you want to see a mill in action, visit the Caballero del Verde Gabán mill, the only one still used for grinding grain. You can buy flour or other mill products here.

Travel Tips for Consuegra

If you decide to visit the windmills in Consuegra, here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable and enriching.

The best time to visit the mills is in the morning or evening when the light is most beautiful, and you can enjoy stunning views of the La Mancha landscape. If you're lucky, you might see the sunrise or sunset behind the mills.

If you want to learn more about the history and technology of the mills, we recommend visiting the tourist center in the Bolero mill, which houses a museum and information center. You can also buy tickets for a tour of the Consuegra castle, located near the mills and another interesting landmark.

If you love literature and want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Don Quixote, read some passages from Cervantes' novel set near the mills. You can also attend cultural events in Consuegra inspired by this classic book. For example, the annual Saffron Festival showcases the traditional harvest and processing of this precious spice and features a theatrical performance about Don Quixote and his beloved Dulcinea.

If you're in the mood for something delicious to eat or drink, visit one of the restaurants or bars in downtown Consuegra. They serve typical La Mancha cuisine, such as manchego cheese, pisto manchego (stewed vegetables with tomatoes), gazpacho manchego (soup with bread and meat), or duelos y quebrantos (omelet with sausage and bacon). To drink, you can have local wine or the sweet anise liqueur.

If you have time and the desire to explore more of the area, take a trip to other towns or villages in La Mancha, each with its charm and history. For example, you can visit Toledo, the former capital of Spain and a place of rich cultural fusion; Almagro, a Renaissance town with a beautiful square and theater; Campo de Criptana, another place with windmills; or Villanueva de los Infantes, the birthplace of writer Francisco de Quevedo.

We hope we have inspired you to visit the windmills in Consuegra and that you enjoy this unique experience.