Molen de Roos | Delft

Information

Landmark: Molen de Roos
City: Delft
Country: Netherlands
Continent: Europe

Molen de Roos, Delft, Netherlands, Europe

Molen de Roos is the last remaining windmill of the fifteen that once stood on the city walls of Delft, Netherlands. It is a corn mill that continues to grind grain using wind power, uniquely positioned atop a stone pedestal that spans a railway tunnel.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a "stellingmolen" (gallery mill), featuring a hexagonal brick base transitioning into a tapered wooden body clad in dark thatch. It possesses a wooden gallery or stage encircling the structure at mid-height, allowing the miller to operate the sails. The four sails have a span of 26 meters, and the mill is painted in traditional Dutch green and white accents on the cap and window frames.

Location & Access Logistics

The mill is located at Phoenixstraat 112, 2611 AK Delft, on the western edge of the historic center. It is situated directly above the Willem van Oranje railway tunnel. Access from Delft Central Station is a 10-minute walk (0.7km) north along the Phoenixstraat. Tram lines 1 and 19 stop at the "Prinsenhof" station, located 100 meters from the entrance. No on-site car parking exists; the nearest facility is the Prinsenhofgarage.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The original wooden mill on this site dates to 1352, while the current stone and brick structure was largely built in 1679. In 1728, it was converted from a walk-mill to the current gallery mill configuration. A significant engineering feat occurred in 2012 when the entire 1,100-tonne mill was raised one meter and supported by a new foundation to allow the construction of the underground railway tunnel beneath it.

Key Highlights & Activities

The mill remains operational, grinding organic grain into flour. Visitors can climb the internal wooden ladders to the gallery for views of the Delft skyline. A small shop on the ground floor sells various types of flour, bread mixes, and traditional Dutch baking products. Guided tours by volunteer millers are available on Saturdays or when the sails are turning.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The ground floor houses a small retail space and a demonstration area. Public restrooms are available for visitors. There is no elevator; access to upper levels requires climbing steep, narrow stairs. Strong 5G cellular signal is available. While the mill does not have a cafe, numerous restaurants are located within 200 meters in the direction of the Prinsenhof.

Best Time to Visit

The mill is generally open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The best time for photography is early afternoon when the sun illuminates the western face and the sails. For the best experience, visit on a windy day when the sails are in motion, indicated by the presence of a blue flag.

Facts & Legends

During the 2012 tunnel construction, Molen de Roos was placed on a sophisticated hydraulic system to prevent it from tilting or collapsing while the soil was excavated beneath it. It is one of the few places in the Netherlands where a medieval industrial monument sits directly on top of 21st-century high-speed rail infrastructure.