Molí d’en Xina

Molí d’en Xina – Algaida’s Most Iconic Windmill

On the northern edge of Algaida stands one of Mallorca’s most beloved landmarks: Molí d’en Xina. This beautifully restored windmill dates back to the early 18th century and offers a striking symbol of the island’s agrarian past. Once used to grind grain using wind power, today it serves a new purpose — as a cultural hub that bridges Mallorca’s rural heritage with its vibrant artistic spirit.

From Wind Power to Flour

Built in 1738, Molí d’en Xina is one of the oldest and best-preserved flour mills in the region. It features the classic architecture of a cylindrical stone tower with a conical roof and the remnants of its original wooden sails, or aspas, that once turned in the island’s steady breezes. For generations, mills like this one were vital to village life — transforming locally grown wheat and barley into flour for bread, pastries, and other staples of the Mallorcan diet.

A New Life as a Cultural Venue

In 1979, the windmill was fully restored and repurposed to host art exhibitions and cultural events. Its simple stone interior now provides an atmospheric gallery space, where local artists display their work in a setting that blends rustic character with creative energy. While exhibitions rotate throughout the year, visitors are welcome to admire the mill even when closed — its elegant silhouette is a favourite subject for photographers and painters alike.

A Landmark of the Landscape

Molí d’en Xina is one of three notable windmills in Algaida, alongside Molí d’en Pau and Molí d’en Boi. Located just off Carrer de la Ribera, it marks a scenic point along several walking and cycling routes across the Pla de Mallorca, with nearby views of almond groves, distant mountains, and open countryside. The mill’s location also places it close to other Algaida highlights, such as the Osborne bull silhouette and the road up to Puig de Randa.

Preserving the Spirit of Rural Mallorca

Visiting Molí d’en Xina offers a quiet, authentic experience — there are no ticket queues or crowds, just an enduring symbol of Mallorca’s farming past and a growing platform for community creativity. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or the island’s evolving artistic scene, this historic mill is well worth a short stop.