The Santa Ponça Windmill
The Santa Ponça mill (Santa Ponça Windmill) is an old flour windmill dating from the mid-19th century and is located at the entrance to the locality of Santa Ponça. It originally formed part of the Possessió de Santa Ponça estate and was used to grind cereals and produce flour. Today it is an iconic element and a landmark of Santa Ponça.
General Information: The Santa Ponça Mill (Windmill)
History: It was a flour windmill and was also used as a dwelling.
Restoration: The mill was restored in 1995 and the spire and blades were rebuilt by the Consell de Mallorca.
Location: It is located 10 minutes from Palma and right on the main roundabout at the entrance/exit of the Palma-Andratx motorway, in the direction of Santa Ponça, Calvià.
Address: Recinto Ferial El Molino de Santa Ponça, Carretera Palma-Andratx, s/n, 07180 Santa Ponça, Calvià, Illes Balears.
Access by car: The windmill has a decagonal structure, with a ramp that allows access to the circular tower, which is almost 11 metres high. It is one of the most emblematic elements of Santa Ponça and is located very close to the motorway exit, which makes it easy to access by car.
Access on foot: It can also be reached on foot from the centre of Santa Ponça, following the road towards the motorway.
Access by public transport: Several bus lines connect Santa Ponça with other parts of the island, including the area where the mill is located.
Structure: It has a decagonal shape (Cintell) with a ramp leading to the circular tower almost 11 metres high.
Ownership: The windmill is currently owned by the Calvià Town Council.
Heritage: It is an important element of the cultural and architectural heritage of Santa Ponça.
Current condition: It is currently preserved as a monument and entrance point to Santa Ponça.
General characteristics of the Santa Ponça Windmill
The windmill has been restored and houses a fairground with spaces for events, exhibitions and other cultural activities. It has a parking lot with capacity for numerous vehicles, as well as nearby parking areas.
It has infrastructures such as stage, dressing rooms, storage and lighting towers, among others. It is located in an area with nearby services, such as a medical centre, a fire station, a police station and a civil guard post.
Origin and restoration of the Santa Ponça windmill
The windmill was used to grind cereals and produce flour for the consumption of the inhabitants of the estate and the area. It was also used as a dwelling in its last years of operation, before being abandoned.
In the 1980s, its demolition was considered, but a team of palaeontologists highlighted its heritage and archaeological value, saving it from destruction. The restoration was carried out by the Santa Ponsa windmill Workshop School, under the direction of the architect Bartomeu Nicolau Mayol. The Consell de Mallorca collaborated in the restoration, providing the spire (the upper part) and the blades.
Attractions near the Santa Ponça windmill
Santa Ponsa is a tourist locality with a long beach, a marina and a busy promenade. The area has archaeological sites and a nearby nature reserve and viewpoints set on impressive cliffs. Santa Ponsa is a good starting point for exploring the Tramuntana mountains and other areas of the region. Among other things you can enjoy:
Santa Ponça beach: Wide beach ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sun.
Seafront promenade: Offers shops, restaurants and a lively atmosphere.
Santa Ponça Marina: A place to stroll and admire the boats.
Puig de sa Morisca Archaeological Park: A place to explore the culture and history of the area.
The Sa Mesquida archaeological site, with remains of a 1st-century AD Roman villa located in the bay of Santa Ponça, is considered the first Roman settlement to be excavated in Mallorca.
Islas Malgrats viewpoint: A place with breathtaking views.
Santa Ponça Yacht Club: Ideal for sailing enthusiasts.
Festes del Rei En Jaume: Popular festivities in early September with parades, medieval market and cultural events.
The Discovery Cross: near the port of Santa Ponsa there is an emblematic monument commemorating the landing of Jaume I on his conquest of Mallorca
Coves: Santa Ponça has several coves with crystal clear waters, perfect for snorkelling and other sports.
History and culture: the windmill of Santa Ponça
The Santa Ponça windmill, built in the mid-19th century, is a flour windmill that originally formed part of the Santa Ponça possessió (estate). It was donated to the Ayuntamiento de Calvià in 1971 and restored in 1995, after an attempt to demolish it was prevented by the claim of its heritage and archaeological value. The Santa Ponça windmill could be inscribed as an interesting chapter in the history of Mallorca and the locality. It is a point of tourist interest that attracts visitors interested in the culture of Mallorca.
By the way, are you coming to Mallorca on a tourism trip? If you find it helpful, you can also consult our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island.
