How often do you get to step back into the late 19th century? Right here at the Molino de Corralejo, you can almost feel the presence of Domingo Estévez Rodríguez. He carefully chose this spot for his mill.
The Molino de Corralejo stands as a testament to Fuerteventura’s ingenuity. It shows the island’s resourcefulness in harnessing the power of the wind.
Domingo Estévez selected a jable board. Jable is a sandy area. This location was ideal. The wind’s strength could fully power the sails. The trade winds dominated the area almost year-round.
The Molino de Corralejo is a traditional windmill dating back to the late 19th century. Its construction was completely handmade. You can find it nestled between Pizarro street, Baja del Mejillón street, and Isaac Peral street.
This mill is one of the smallest on Fuerteventura. It has a circular base. The structure rises in a truncated cone shape. The Molino de Corralejo has two stories.
The lower floor served as storage. Grain and the miller’s tools found their place here. The grinding machinery was on the upper floor. A wooden staircase outside provided access.
At the very top is a conical wooden roof. Underneath, you’ll find the toothed wheel. Its axle, the sails, and the spindle are also here.
A wooden axis or rudder oriented the sails. It turned them towards the wind. Located opposite the rotor, this axis could rotate the roof a full 360 degrees.
The Molino de Corralejo features four wooden sails. Rectangular wooden boards acted as sails. The number of boards depended on the wind. More boards meant more movement in weaker winds.
The grinding machinery was mainly wood. Iron parts ensured smooth operation. This gearing multiplied the sails’ rotational force. It powered the millstone to grind.
Mills like the Molino de Corralejo played a crucial role. After the 15th-century conquest, Fuerteventura was colonized. The economy relied on rain-fed agriculture. Wheat, barley, and rye were staples.
Until the 18th century, grain was ground by hand. As the population grew, larger mills became essential. The tower mills were the first type built. They typically had three floors. Storage was on the first floor. The grinding mechanism was on the second. The main gearbox was on the third.
These mills had a mobile roof. A rudder ensured it faced the wind. Due to their size, they were built in high areas. This ensured protection from trade winds.
Although not officially recognized, the mills’ silhouette represents Fuerteventura. Some have been restored. Others stand as ruins. The Molino de Corralejo stands as a proud reminder of this past.
Interestingly, there were also “molinas”. These mills emerged in the 19th century. They were invented in La Palma. They were adapted by local artisans. Molinas combined milling and grain handling on one floor. This was an advantage over traditional mills.
Today, the Molino de Corralejo is a protected site. It is considered a site of cultural interest. As you stand here, imagine the sails turning. The Molino de Corralejo is a symbol of Fuerteventura’s heritage. Its story connects us to the past.