The Enchanted Windmill of José María Gil, Guardian of the Canarian Canary

In the heart of San Bartolomé, nestled upon Lanzarote, lies a silent, grand structure - a remnant from a forgotten era, the last windmill standing on the island. Known as the Mill of José María Gil, it has stood witness to the rich cultural and agricultural tale of this Canarian village over the years. Once a bustling hub for gofio production, this staple food of the Canary Islands, the mill now rests in a state of decay. Built by Baltasar Martin Rodriguez in the year of 1870, it was José María Gil who claimed it in the 20th century.

He brought forth a revolution in the windmill's operations, introducing a diesel engine to replace its once graceful sails. The stone, mud, and lime tower of the mill houses three floors, each with a unique purpose. The ground floor stored grains, the second was for gofio or flour, and the topmost floor where the grain was poured. The wooden upper part, once rotated by the wind, now lays lifeless. The Mill of José María Gil stands alone, swaying to the whispers of time.

However, José María Gil was more than just a miller. Born in Gáldar of Gran Canaria, he was a watchmaker by trade, the first president of 'El Porvenir' Society in 1930, an alderman during the Spanish Civil War, and a loyal member of Falange. He found his passion in the arts and cultural movement, founding the 'Ajei Folkloric Group' and enthusiastically supporting a plethora of theatrical and festive activities.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons