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Windmills once dominated the landscape of the Campo of Cartagena. They were the precursors of modern wind turbines, which generate environmentally friendly energy in more and more places. Many mills have since disappeared. But the town of Torre Pacheco still cherishes the presence of 14 windmills. Four of them have been lovingly restored. In these mills, as much use as possible has been made of the original utensils.
The farmers already understood in the 16th century how helpful it was for the important flour production in the area to use the strong winds from the coast. Initially, it was flour mills (harineros) that rose in the landscape. In the 18th century until the middle of the 20th century, the emphasis was on water mills (arcabuces). These helped to extract the water from the ground.
The third type of mills are the salt mills (salineros). Their function was to grind the salt from the salt flats in the region. A characteristic feature of the windmills in the Murcia region is the canvas sails instead of the wooden blades. The important role of the windmills for the agricultural sector in the province cannot be overestimated. And although other forms of energy generation have taken over the need for these eye-catchers in recent centuries, there are still 212 windmills in Murcia. Whether or not restored and in use.
Torre Pacheco emphasises the importance by holding a Windmill Festival every year around the end of April. The festivities are intended to be educational and to celebrate the windmills as the symbol of the agricultural heritage of Torre Pacheco.
Throughout the year there is the windmill route, which has been set up by the tourist office and for which a special brochure has been made. Under the motto 'The factory of the wind' this tour can be made by car, by bike or on foot. The most important windmills to visit are the Hortichuela watermill with a very impressive water wheel and the Tio Pacorro and Pasico windmills. The latter is a perfectly restored flour mill. It is also the activity centre, which is central to the annual festivities.
