Molí Vell de La Mola

Everything you need to know about Molí Vell de la Mola

The Molí Vell de La Mola in Formentera is a historical treasure that has endured through the centuries. Built in 1778, this flour mill is an architectural gem that has withstood the test of time. Its sturdy walls and majestic structure bear witness to the skill and craftsmanship of the era.

What makes the Molí Vell de La Mola even more fascinating is that, to this day, it opens its doors to visitors, allowing them to explore its interior and delve into the history of Formentera. This mill provides a window to the past, where one can appreciate traditional milling techniques and the ingenious mechanisms that were once essential to life on the island.

An interesting curiosity is that the Molí Vell de La Mola shares the same construction date, 1778, with the village church. This historical coincidence adds even greater value to the visit, as both buildings represent fundamental pillars of Formentera’s history and culture.

Keep in mind…

What may appear today as a simple rural element was, in its time, a cutting-edge machine harnessing the power of what are now commonly known as clean energies. The force of the wind and the hands of the workers who operated it were the lifeblood of Formentera’s inhabitants, as they transformed wheat into flour.

How to get to Molí Vell de la Mola

To reach the Molí Vell de La Mola, take the PM-820 road to the village of El Pilar de La Mola. In the village, continue along the main street until you see a sign on the right pointing the way to the mill. Turn right and proceed 150 meters along the dirt path until you arrive at Molí Vell. With its pine wood blades rising above the small forest that shelters it, the mill will welcome you.

Parking place

You’ll notice that the area around the mill is enclosed by a low stone wall that protects it from vehicle traffic in the area. While there isn’t a designated parking area, you can park your car or motorcycle at any point along the road, always being mindful not to obstruct the passage of other residents or visitors in the area.

History of Molí Vell de la Mola

The Molí Vell de La Mola is a historic structure that serves as a valuable example of 18th-century technology. This wooden mill bears an engraved date, 1778, on its structure, which serves as the reference for its construction year.

The building itself has a cylindrical shape and features two opposite doors at its base, providing access to the lower floor. From there, a spiral staircase leads to the upper floor, where the mill’s machinery and grinding stones are located, along with two small windows that allow for light and ventilation.

The history of the Molí Vell de La Mola is closely intertwined with the Moliner family. A historical document dated 1781, just three years after its construction, reveals that Bartomeu Mayans acquired the mill for 8,000 pounds of vellón.

From then on, the mill remained in the same family’s hands, passing from generation to generation. During this time, it played a crucial role in the community by transforming grains into flour, thereby contributing to the livelihood of the residents of El Pilar de La Mola.

However, with the advent of electricity in the 20th century, the windmill gradually lost its relevance in the society of La Mola. Despite attempts to adapt its grinding stones and working system to operate with an electric motor for a period, this solution was short-lived. Technological progress eventually led to the disuse of the mill, and over time, it began to deteriorate.

Finally, Joan des Moliner, the last miller of Formentera, made the decision to transfer ownership of the Molí Vell de La Mola to the Fundación Illes Balears in 1994. Under Joan’s guidance, the foundation embarked on a rehabilitation and restoration effort, even managing to make the mill operational one last time before preserving it for posterity.
This act of preservation ensured that this unique piece of technological history would endure for future generations.

Interior Visit

The Molí Vell de La Mola offers the opportunity to explore its interior and admire the original construction and machinery dating back to the 18th century.

One of the advantages of visiting the Molí Vell de La Mola is that entrance to the interior is free. However, it’s important to note that the opening hours and days may vary depending on the time of year when you plan to visit.

If your intention is to explore the interior of the building, it’s advisable to check the opening hours and visiting days in advance, as these may change depending on the season of your visit. The Heritage Department of the Consell Insular is the most suitable contact for you to get in touch with and clarify this information.