Molí d’en Mateu

What secrets do the winds whisper to the Molí d’en Mateu? Here on the Sa Miranda hill, overlooking Sant Francesc, stands the Molí d’en Mateu. It’s a quiet sentinel, a testament to Formentera’s agricultural past. The Molí d’en Mateu isn’t as famous as its neighbor, the Molí d’en Jeroni. But it holds its own unique charm. Built in the mid-19th century by the Verdera Mateu family, the mill adopted their name as its own. Like other windmills on Formentera, the Molí d’en Mateu was strategically positioned on higher ground. This allowed it to capture the full force of the island’s winds. This mill has a unique story to tell. In its later working years, its machinery was upgraded. A second set of grinding stones was installed on the lower level. This boosted its efficiency, allowing it to produce more flour. The Molí d’en Mateu’s working life came to an abrupt end in 1958. A fierce storm ripped away its antennae. Just like the other three working mills on Formentera, it fell silent. The winds no longer powered its stones. Years later, the Molí d’en Mateu found a new purpose. It was restored and transformed into a small dwelling. While it’s no longer a working mill, its original machinery and antennae have been preserved. A reminder of its industrious past. The Molí d’en Mateu is privately owned, so we can only admire it from the outside. As you gaze upon the Molí d’en Mateu, imagine the generations who relied on its flour. Listen closely, and you might just hear the whispers of the wind, carrying tales of Formentera’s rich history.