Built with wood from a German ship, the Vensermolen stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s ingenuity. This windmill, over 300 years old, once played a vital role in feeding the growing capital. The Venserpolder, where the Vensermolen stands, was originally a marshy area. It was reclaimed and drained to provide food for Amsterdam. The Vensermolen, constructed around 1704, is a wooden windschepradmolen, a type of bovenkruier windmill. Traces of the ship’s timber can still be seen in its beams. The Vensermolen’s sails, with a span of 26 meters, powered a 6-meter diameter scoop wheel. This wheel tirelessly moved water, keeping the polder dry and fertile. The windmill has witnessed significant transformations throughout its history. In 1917, a storm damaged the cap, leading to the removal of the sails. An electric motor and centrifugal pump replaced the wind-powered mechanism, marking the end of its traditional operation. Later, the top section was removed, giving it the truncated cone shape we see today. The Vensermolen stands on the border of Amsterdam and Diemen, a testament to the evolving landscape. The mill itself is located in Diemen. However, the adjacent pumping station, built in 1978 when the Venserpolder merged with other polders, stands in Ouder-Amstel. Adding to the complexity, the Weespertrekvaart canal alongside belongs to Amsterdam. The Vensermolen has even played a role in family histories. Gerrit Portengen, a miller from a long line of millers and polder managers, was appointed to the Vensermolen in 1882. He announced his wedding to Grietje Franssen, also from a milling family, by setting the mill’s sails in a specific position, a charming tradition of the time. Today, the Vensermolen serves as a unique residence. Its robust exterior and intriguing history make it a special landmark on the outskirts of Amsterdam. The interior has been modernized while retaining its historical character. It offers a blend of old and new, a comfortable living space within a piece of Amsterdam’s agricultural and engineering heritage.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to