Xarolla Windmill

{{Short description|Windmill in Żurrieq, Malta}}

{{Infobox windmill

| name = Xarolla Windmill

| image = Xarolla Windmill 2016.jpeg

| image_size = 300px

| caption = Xarolla Windmill

| name_of_mill =

| location_of_mill =

| coordinates = {{Coord|35|49|54.5|N|14|28|50.5|E|type:landmark_region:MT|display=inline,title}}

| operator =

| built = 1724

| purpose = Corn mill

| type = Tower mill

| storeys =

| base_storeys =

| roundhouse_storeys =

| smock_sides =

| sail_number = Six sails

| sail_type = Common sails

| windshaft =

| winding =

| fantail_blades =

| auxpower =

| pairs_of_millstones =

| stone_size =

| saw_type =

| pump_type =

| scoop_dia =

| lost =

| other =

}}

The Xarolla Windmill at Żurrieq, Malta is one of the windmills constructed by the Order of St. John in the villages and towns of Malta. It was built in the 18th century and is presently one of the most preserved windmills in Malta. The windmill is an agri-tourism attraction and is found in a complex of agricultural buildings such as a farmhouse, a chapel, catacombsDOI (24 February 2005). [http://www.doi-archived.gov.mt/EN/press_releases/2005/02/pr0282.asp WIRJA PERMANENTI DWAR L-IMTIEĦEN TAR-RIĦ ]. Department of Information (DOI), Valletta, Malta. Press release no. 0282. Retrieved 18 June 2026.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20151004/life-features/time-to-get-those-walking-boots-on.586974|title=Time to get those walking boots on|first=Allied Newspapers|last=Ltd|publisher=}} and others. The windmill is also used as an art studio.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140907/arts-entertainment/Artistic-anarchy-in-Bubaqra.534856|title=Artistic anarchy in Bubaqra|first=Allied Newspapers|last=Ltd|publisher=}}

In 1674 Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner built five windmills around Malta, one of which was tax-Xarolla. Tax-Xarolla Windmill was built by Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena in 1724. Sometimes after 1998, this was restored to its original working order. It is now the only functioning windmill on the islands of Malta. This is a valuable witness of local culture and heritage; it still has parts of the original mechanisms and can still grind the wheat. In the year 2000, this building was passed over to be administered by the Żurrieq Local Council and is intended to serve also as a cultural centre.{{cite web|url=http://www.windmillsofmalta.nl/db.cgi?p=detail;r=12#details|title=Windmills of malta - Xarolla Windmill|website=www.windmillsofmalta.nl}}{{cite web|url=http://www.zurrieqparish.org/node/441|title=Account Suspended|website=www.zurrieqparish.org}}{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130630/arts-entertainment/Xarolla-Windmill-to-serve-as-base-for-artistic-project.476216|title=Xarolla Windmill to serve as base for artistic project|first=Allied Newspapers|last=Ltd|publisher=}}{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090305/local/xarolla-windmill-extensively-damaged.247537|title=Xarolla windmill extensively damaged|first=Allied Newspapers|last=Ltd|publisher=}}{{cite web|url=http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/arts/art/48942/art_off_the_mainstream_grid__ryan_falzon|title=Art off the mainstream grid - Ryan Falzon|publisher=}} The sails were extensively damaged in a gale on 18 March 2022.{{cite web |url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/zurrieqs-xarolla-windmill-damaged-by-gale-force-winds.942549 |title=Żurrieq's Xarolla windmill damaged by gale-force winds |publisher=Times of Malta |date=19 March 2022 |accessdate=22 March 2022 }}