De Gooyer

Gazing up at the towering De Gooyer, have you ever wondered why it stands beside a brewery it doesn’t serve? De Gooyer, the tallest wooden windmill in the Netherlands, is a true Amsterdam icon. It proudly resides on Funenkade, its silhouette a familiar sight against the city skyline. But its story is one of several moves, a testament to its enduring spirit. The name “De Gooyer” echoes back to 1609, when it was owned by brothers hailing from Gooiland, a region just outside Amsterdam. It’s also affectionately known as “The Funenmolen,” after its location on Funenkade. Constructed in the 16th century, De Gooyer has seen its share of history. Its current location, atop a stone base, dates back to 1814. This base is a remnant of a watermill demolished in 1812. Interestingly, this move wasn’t De Gooyer’s first. It had previously stood at the site of the current Orange-Nassau barracks. The windmill is the last of 26 corn mills that once stood on Amsterdam’s 17th-century walls. These outskirts provided ideal wind conditions, crucial for a working mill. The city of Amsterdam purchased De Gooyer in 1928 and lovingly restored it. It even served a vital role during World War II, grinding grain when the city was without power. A violent storm in 1972 damaged De Gooyer’s sails. Luckily, they were later replaced with original Dutch-designed blades, preserving its historical accuracy. Now, here’s the quirky bit. Next door sits Brouwerij ‘t IJ, a popular brewery housed in a former municipal bathhouse. Despite appearances, and the brewery’s logo featuring De Gooyer, the two are unrelated. The mill serves no function for the brewery. De Gooyer isn’t open to the public, but its presence is a powerful reminder of Amsterdam’s rich history. It stands tall, a silent sentinel watching over the ever-changing city. Its story is one of resilience and adaptation, a testament to its enduring charm and a symbol of Amsterdam’s past.