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WINDMILL
NUMBER TWO WILL BE RENOVATED IN NEW AGREEMENT |
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Friday 1st August 2014
The Ayuntamiento de Xàbia has signed an agreement for renovation work to number two of the windmills that sit on La Plana de San Jerónimo, one of the iconic features of Jávea. The document contains official permission to start consolidation work and restructuring of the walls of this traditional building that was used to harness wind energy for agricultural use. The contractor, a Valencian specialist company called Contrafforte Restauro, plans to start work late next week. The project, prepared by town hall specialists, will be funded entirely by the Generalitat Valenciana. The work was put out to tender by the Ayuntamiento itself with a base price of 39,995 euros and was finally awarded to Contrafforte Restauro for 27,776 euros. Councillor Antonio Miragall (Heritage) explained that the work should take about three months and that number 2 windmill is the last of the eleven to be renovated. The work brings to a conclusion a series of conservation and enhancement projects of these municipal assets which have been undertaken in recent years by the Ayuntamiento with the assistance of the Xàbia Viva heritage association and by individuals who privately own some of the buildings. Last year the Ayuntamiento completed the renovation of windmill number 8, thought to be the oldest, following the guidelines set by the Department of Planning and the Archaeological Museum, both of whom will be involved in the latest renovation project. The cylindrical windmills, about 7 metres in height, were built between the 14th and 18th centuries to take advantage of the south-west wind called the 'Llebeig' which blows almost constantly over the rocky outcrops of La Plana. The wind blew sails which turned giant mechanisms inside the building for the grinding of wheat and other cereals which were grown across the Marina Alta region; indeed the plain of Jávea was once known as the 'wheat field' of Alicante. They remained in use until the early 20th century. During the late 19th century cereals could be imported more cheaply and the production of the raisin had taken priority and most of them fell in a state of disrepair, the wooden roofs and sails removed and some of the stonework removed to construct other buildings. Three of the remaining towers are owned by the municipality whilst the rest, including the Moli Safranera in Frechinal close to the football ground, are owned by private individuals.
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