The Region of Murcia's historic windmills get extra protection under new plans

Cartagena has by far the largest share of the windmills included in the region-wide heritage changes

More than 200 historic windmills across the Region of Murcia will have clearly defined protected areas around them, to preserve both the buildings and the historic features in the surrounding countryside.

The regional government has approved changes to the existing heritage declarations for 210 windmills classified as Bienes de Interés Cultural (BIC), or Assets of Cultural Interest, in the monument category.

The changes establish a protected area around each windmill, as required by law. These boundaries will be drawn up individually, using technical criteria to determine which parts of the surrounding landscape need to be included. The new boundaries will also protect historic features around the windmills. Depending on the site, the surrounding area can include wells, water storage ponds, cisterns, raised platforms and irrigation channels.

These features show how the windmills were used and how they fitted into traditional farming life. Preserving them alongside the buildings will help protect the overall historical setting, rather than leaving important parts of the story outside the protected area.

Cartagena has the largest share of the windmills covered by the changes

Cartagena accounts for almost three-quarters of the 210 windmills included in the regional heritage register, making it the main focus of the changes in numerical terms.

Given the number of monuments involved, the regional government has chosen to update its declarations through a single process rather than handle each one separately. The protection boundaries, however, will still be specific to each windmill.

The decision was approved by the Consejo de Gobierno following a proposal from the regional department responsible for tourism, culture and sport. The changes will help safeguard the windmills and the surviving traces of the rural communities and farming practices associated with them.

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