Los Molinos Interpretation Centre - Tiscamanita

For centuries natives of Fuenteventura found “gofio” (toasted cereal flour) to be the best ally with which to palliate the harsh famines.  An entire culture was built up around this product, which is currently commemorated in the Los Molinos Interpretation Centre in Tiscamanita, in the town of Tuineje.

In the midst of the old quarter of Tiscamanita is an interesting traditional home.  In its interior, you will see the centuries-old importance of “gofio” as a nutritional base for Fuerteventurans. And what better way than through a history of the windmills.  Those that El Quijote battled against in the lands of Castile and which in Fuerteventura served to grind grain and provide food for an entire island.

The Los Molinos Interpretation Centre makes us aware of the importance of grain amongst Fuerteventurans since prehistoric times. The “mahos” harvested grain from wild seeds which they ground in stone mortars and hand mills. In this museum you will be able to see what those hand mills were like and how important they were to Fuerteventurans until well into the XX century. One of them, installed in the corner of the kitchen, takes us back to days gone by.

But you will also discover the entire process involved in making the “gofio”, which cereals were used, how they were toasted in the so-called toasters to be then ground in the flourmills or windmills, or indeed the work of the miller himself.  A trade which has today all but disappeared.

Throughout the tour of the house, you will find out what a “tahona” was, how they were pulled by beasts of burden or by groups of people in the so-called “molienda a bote” and how this came to be a real social occasion.

At the end of the XVIII century windmills began to appear upon the landscape of Fuerteventura.  Taking advantage of the Trade Winds, they set their blades a-turning until changing economic times led to their falling into disuse during the last century. Next to the museum, one of them awaits the arrival of visitors.  You will be able to see what these contraptions were like inside and, if the wind picks up, see one actually working.  Don’t forget to photograph the moment.

You will also find out what a “molina” was (single-storey, more modern mill) and who was responsible for the introduction of this grinding system on Fuerteventura. A model will help visitors to distinguish the difference between a “Molino” (traditional windmill) and a “Molina”.  The smell of ground grain will whet the appetite of our visitors.  Don’t forget to buy a little “gofio”.  The best souvenir of your stay in Fuerteventura.

Many different windmills, many of them restored, are distributed throughout the geography of Fuerteventura.  Come on and take the windmill tour.  They await you in the midst of the Fuerteventuran landscape.

Opening hours: From Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 to 18.00 hours.

Los Molinos Interpretation Centre (Tiscamanita) : 928.16.42.75

Museums Office : 928.85.89.98 / 928.85.28.89 / [email protected]