The Windmills of Consuegra (Molinos de Viento de Consuegra)

These windmills are one of the symbols of Spain. Even if you don't know where they are, you've heard of them and seen them, as windmills are closely associated with the image of Don Quixote. 

They were built in the 16th century, when grain production was actively developing in La Mancha. There were 12 of them in total, and each belonged to a separate family. Each mill has its own name, some of them can be visited to see the mechanisms, and some have souvenir shops and museums.

In Cervantes' novel, the location is not directly named, but the description of the ideal ‘country of La Mancha’, where Don Quixote ‘fought giants’, coincides precisely with these windmills in Consuegra. In the 16th and 17th centuries, there were many of them in the region, but in Consuegra, a unique group of 12 has been preserved on one hill. It is these mills that have become the classic image of ‘La Mancha windmills’.

As you might guess, the mills were installed here because of the strong winds. Therefore, it is better to come when the weather is calm. The place is ideal for watching the sunrise or sunset.




In the distance, you can see the 11th-century Castillo de la Muela, built by the Moors.


Getting there: you can drive to the mills, parking 39.449000, -3.606917. Consuegra is approximately 140 km from Madrid and 60 km from Toledo. There are buses from Madrid to Consuegra (Samar company).