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Windmill · Bruges, Flandres Ocidental
Sint-Janshuismolen
A wooden windmill from 1770 sitting on the old Kruisvest city wall, in the east of Bruges. It still grinds grain and, with favorable wind, shows the mechanism in operation; from the top of the stairs you can see the green belt of the ramparts.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Sint-Janshuismolen
The Sint-Janshuismolen is located on the Kruisvest, the eastern section of Bruges’ old city wall, now a long park between the ring canal and the houses of the Sint-Anna neighborhood. It’s a wooden post mill that turns as a whole on a central post to face the wind, built in 1770 and kept in the same place ever since.
Mills began to appear on the ramparts from the 13th century, when the city gained its outer belt of defense. They ground the grain that supplied Bruges and played an important economic role well into the 19th century. Four mills remain on this stretch of the Kruisvest, and the Sint-Janshuismolen is the one that still grinds grain for real.
The visit is short and hands-on. The millers explain the trade, show the millstones, wooden gears and the braking system, and describe how the position of the sails is adjusted according to the wind. When the wind is right, you can see the whole mechanism turning and flour being produced.
To reach the top you climb a very steep wooden staircase. From above you can see the Kruisvest lawns, the other mills lined up on the wall and the towers of the center in the distance.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 to 40 minutes at the mill. Add another half hour if you want to walk along the Kruisvest to the other mills.
Best time
The season usually runs from April to early November, Tuesday to Sunday, with a midday break. In winter, from December onwards, it usually opens only on the second Sunday of each month. Windy days show the mill in operation. Check opening days before you go.
How to get there
It’s on the Kruisvest, at the eastern edge of the center, about a 15-minute walk from the Markt via Langestraat or through the Sint-Anna neighborhood. From Brugge station the simplest route is to take a De Lijn bus to the center and walk the rest, or cycle along the bike path that follows the ramparts.
Tip
The staircase is very steep and not suitable for visitors with mobility difficulties; the path up to the door can be managed in a wheelchair with assistance. Combine the mill with a visit to the Jeruzalemkerk and the Sint-Anna neighborhood, which are on the same side of town. The municipal museums of Bruges accept a combined pass that includes the mill.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Sint-Janshuismolen
Is the mill still working?
Yes. It’s the mill on Bruges' city wall that still grinds grain. In favorable wind visitors can see the mechanism in motion.
When does the Sint-Janshuismolen open?
The season usually runs from April to early November, Tuesday through Sunday. In winter, from December, openings are usually only on the second Sunday of the month. Check before you go.
Can you go up with a small child?
Yes, with care: the wooden staircase is steep and narrow. Small children need to be accompanied when going up and down.