📍 Location
What is Known About Ta’ Marżiena Windmill
It is located in Victoria (Rabat), Gozo, on “Triq il‑Mithna” (Windmill Street).
GPS 36.035133, 14.240130
It was built around 1783.
It replaced an earlier windmill located in the outskirts of Victoria, which had been demolished (or otherwise ceased operation) and for which a hospital/seminary was built in its place.
Its height is about 15 metres, relatively modest.
It is protected in law: it is a Grade 1 scheduled structure.
Construction & Architectural Details (from what is known or inferred)
Because detailed engineering / mechanism descriptions are scarce, much must be inferred from other similar Gozo windmills (like Ta’ Kola, Xewkija etc.). Here’s what is likely or known:
The windmill is of tower windmill type: a cylindrical or polygonal tower with a rotating cap / sails (vanes or blades) to catch wind. Many Maltese windmills of that era had a centre tower with surrounding rooms.
The tower would have supported sails (sometimes six “antennae” or arms) covered with canvas, radiating from a central rotating hub (to turn with wind). The mechanism inside likely included large grinding stones (a runnable & a bed stone), wooden gearing, shafts. These mechanisms are present in surviving mills of similar design.
The base/building around the tower typically had storage rooms for grain, workrooms, sometimes living quarters for the miller. The ground floor often housed the workshop and storage; the first floor might include the miller’s dwelling (kitchen, bedrooms). Access was by stairs up into the tower for the machinery.
Operational History
It operated for some time after being built in 1783; at least for many decades. But at some point its sails were removed. It is no longer operational in terms of milling.
Over time, changes in technology (steam mills, etc.), changes in economy, and possibly disuse or damage meant many windmills ceased operation. Ta’ Marżiena is no exception.
Issues & Conservation
There has been concern over nearby modern developments overshadowing the windmill, due to approving apartment blocks that may visually obstruct or damage the context of this heritage building.
Because the sails and mechanism are removed (or in disrepair), there is risk of further deterioration if not maintained. (No clear records of recent major restoration for Ta’ Marżiena found in sources)
What Remains Unclear / What to Confirm
Who exactly was the miller(s) who ran Ta’ Marżiena?
The full mechanism: whether it’s preserved or partially present; whether restoration is planned or has been done.
Detailed architectural plans: shape of base (whether rectangular base plus tower, or fully cylindrical), materials (stone type, wood species for sails, etc.), internal layout of storage, dwelling, mechanism.
Exact period when it ceased operation, and at what state it is currently (just a ruin / standing with no sails / partly restored etc.)