nice walk to get there, hard to get a good pic from any direction. Funny to see a windmill in Jerusalem.
Montefiore Windmill
One of the first Jerusalem landmarks to crop up outside the Old City walls, the Montefiore Windmill was named for its funder, British Jewish philanthropist Moses (or Moshe in Hebrew) Montefiore. It was built in 1857 at the site where the Mishkenot Sha’ananim neighborhood would be established some 12 years later.
It was originally designed as a flour mill, and was part of Montefiore’s project to help the Old Yishuv (the pre-20th-century Jewish community of Palestine) become more self-sufficient. Montefiore, who was devoted to promoting industry in the Holy Land, also built a printing press and a textile factory and undertook many more projects.
The windmill was phased out of use as a flour mill in 1891, after the Jewish community began using steam-powered mills to grind their wheat. However, it continued to bear a cultural significance and during the 1948 War of Independence was used by Jewish fighters as an observation point. British authorities responded by bombing the windmill, an assault aptly titled “Operation Don Quixote.”
Today, the windmill houses a small museum devoted to the works of Montefiore, and blends right in with its quaint, picturesque surrounding in the upscale Yemin Moshe neighborhood (which is also named after the philanthropist). The museum also includes a replica of the carriage Montefiore used in his travels throughout the Holy Land – the original was destroyed in a fire in 1986. The windmill is an essential stop for anyone wishing to learn more about the transition from old to new Jerusalem in the late 19th century and the ambitious endeavors of Moshe Montefiore, one of the true icons of the old Jewish community in the Land of Israel.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 67 traveler reviews“nice windmill”
“Start at this landmark and then take a leisurely stroll through the area”
MANY years ago, I saw an art exhibit called something along the lines of "Children of the World Draw Jerusalem." One of the pictures, by a young girl from Amsterdam, included a windmill. "Awh," I thought. "Isn't that cute? She put something from home into her picture." Then I got to...
MoreMANY years ago, I saw an art exhibit called something along the lines of "Children of the World Draw Jerusalem." One of the pictures, by a young girl from Amsterdam, included a windmill. "Awh," I thought. "Isn't that cute? She put something from home into her picture." Then I got to Jerusalem and saw that she hadn't added an arbitrary creative touch at all. The 150-year-old windmill still stands -- and it does turn in the wind. About five years ago it was completely restored, following the original plans and using parts built in the Netherlands. There are truly lovely views from this location, day or night. Start here and then take a leisurely stroll through the area.
Less“A different view from a local”
Do to the traffic during President Trumps visit we took a shortcut and got lost. A very kind and elderly gentleman escorted four of us to our destination. He had so much to say about the Windmill. Not only is it attractive but it was once functional and the benefactor paid wages to the...
MoreDo to the traffic during President Trumps visit we took a shortcut and got lost. A very kind and elderly gentleman escorted four of us to our destination. He had so much to say about the Windmill. Not only is it attractive but it was once functional and the benefactor paid wages to the poor who needed work in the 1850s/60s. He had pride in how it helped so many and is now in the first area built outside the Wall. It is now an upscale neighborhood. It's rich history includes how it was nearly destroyed in the 1048 war. When you visit you will catch a glimpse of it many times. It is worth checking out in that it looks so out of place yet is an attractive site.
Less“Unexpected attraction in Jerusalem”
The Montefiore Windmill is located at the Mishkenot Sha’ananim neighbourhood just southeast of the Old City. Built by Moses Montefiore in 1857, the windmill was restored in 2012 and now includes a small museum. This is a unexpected attraction better suited for The Netherlands. It is a peculiar and attractive structure to find...
MoreThe Montefiore Windmill is located at the Mishkenot Sha’ananim neighbourhood just southeast of the Old City. Built by Moses Montefiore in 1857, the windmill was restored in 2012 and now includes a small museum. This is a unexpected attraction better suited for The Netherlands. It is a peculiar and attractive structure to find here in Israel. Interesting and photogenic against the blue skies, we enjoyed seeing the Montefiore Windmill. Have a quick look if spending time in or around the Mishkenot Sha’ananim neighbourhood and then continue onward with your intended sightseeing.
Less“old object”
we went to see. The montefiore windmill. It's nicer from the far then closer. It's only nice to. Ttake pictures there and NOT tos tay long