Molen de Distilleerketel (Distilling Kettle Mill), Rotterdam

Delfshaven’s historic skyline would hardly feel complete without a windmill. And sure thing, this neighborhood does have one of distinction. Known as the “Distilling Kettle,” this is the only surviving windmill in central Rotterdam surrounded by several other buildings predating World War II.

The original mill on this site was built in 1727 to grind malt for the local distilleries, hence the name. Another theory, however, suggests that the name may have come from its appearance. With its upright cylindrical stone tower, some 10 meters high and topped by a cap, the mill indeed resembled a large distilling kettle.

Sadly, that windmill was destroyed by fire in 1899 and was later rebuilt, about 11 meters from its previous location. During the reconstruction, the tower was raised by another meter, thus giving the new mill a slightly taller and more slender appearance.

The Distilling Kettle mill suffered further damage during the German bombing of Rotterdam in 1940. It was eventually fully restored in 1986. You can still see a reminder of that restoration on the decorative green-and-white panel, which bears a Latin inscription, reading: "1727-1940 RESTORED THROUGH THE DILIGENT EFFORTS OF MANY CITIZENS IN 1986."

Today, the Distilling Kettle is once again a working mill. Since 2018, it has also housed the Molenwinkel van Delfshaven, a small shop selling flour and other products made by the mill, along with coffee, tea, some local delicacies, and Dutch souvenirs.

If the mill is open during your visit, it is well worth stepping inside. For a small fee, you can usually take a short tour which lasts about 15 minutes. Apart from learning how the mill operates and discovering more about Dutch windmill culture, you can climb to the upper level for a fine view over historic Delfshaven and further afield toward the skyline of central Rotterdam.