De Nieuwe Molen

Built in 1782, De Nieuwe Molen whispers stories of Cape Town’s rich past. It stands as the oldest and largest surviving windmill in South Africa. This iconic structure has witnessed centuries of change. It’s located within the grounds of the Alexandra Hospital in Maitland. De Nieuwe Molen originally served a vital role, grinding the wheat harvested along the Liesbeek and Black Rivers. Master mason Johan Gottfried Mocke meticulously constructed De Nieuwe Molen using Dutch baked bricks. These bricks were originally used as ballast in sailing ships, adding a unique layer to the mill’s history. De Nieuwe Molen originally stood a majestic 42 meters tall, including its sails. Its base measured about 10 meters in diameter, and its blades spanned an impressive 23 meters. Imagine the sight of its vast sails turning gracefully against the backdrop of Table Mountain. Unfortunately, around 1870, a fierce storm ripped the sails from the mill. The damage was never repaired, and De Nieuwe Molen sadly fell into disuse. The machinery and woodwork were removed around 1920. In 1906, the Alexandra Institute for the disabled opened nearby. After 1928, De Nieuwe Molen became part of the institute’s premises, finding new life as a chapel. The mill has undergone several renovations, the most recent in 1996. Today, De Nieuwe Molen still stands proudly. It serves as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Cape Town’s history. As you gaze upon its sturdy walls, remember the countless bushels of wheat it ground, the storm that silenced its sails, and its transformation into a place of worship. De Nieuwe Molen is more than just a historical landmark. It is a living embodiment of Cape Town’s evolving story.