Panorama of the Week: Venetian Windmills on Crete
Filed Under: Windmills are a symbol of clean energy today, but wind power is not especially new technology on the Greek island of Crete. In the late 15th century, the occupying Venetians began to use windmills on the edge of Crete’s hillsides to grind wheat. To better catch the wind, they attached fabric-like sails on the blades.
Today, after over 500 years of facing the elements, the sails are gone and the windmills that remain do so in various stages of disuse. In spite of all that, amidst the breeze, it’s possible to imagine the two dozen windmills on the edge of the Lassithi Plateau in Seli Ampelou helping to churn out kilos of ground wheat.
For a glimpse of the windmills and some classic Cretan landscape, open the panorama below.
Panorama: Venetian Windmills on Crete
For best panorama viewing results, press fullscreen (four arrows) and navigate around with your mouse.
Articles About Europe
More Photos from Europe
—-
October 21st, 2011 at 3:59 pm
like the panaroma didnt know wind power was used over there
October 21st, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Wow, I sure can imagine two dozen windmills even though the sails are gone! Beautiful. I am running out of superlatives!
October 22nd, 2011 at 4:02 am
Looks like a great site to explore, and what a view!
October 25th, 2011 at 9:58 am
Crete is a perfect destination for everybody, because this place can offer everything for all kind of taste and demands!
October 27th, 2011 at 5:36 am
@Henry: These windmills were used for grinding grain, while there are other ones used in the fields for water power. These days, the hills are covered with modern windmills used to generate electrical power.
@Sutapa: When the guide first said we would see some Venetian windmills, it didn’t sound so interesting. But then when we got there we loved it – like you, we could imagine the sails and all of them rotating away in full power. Also love the technology
@Dean: Yes, these windmills did have quite a view of the hills and sea.
@Rose: Many people come to Crete for the beach, but there’s so much more to see and do on the island. And, the food is amazing.
November 2nd, 2011 at 2:22 am
Amazing spot and a great Panorama. Definitely a worth place to visit i guess. How do you create the Panorama? I mean what software you use?
Thanks for sharing.
November 2nd, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@Azeem: Crete in general is definitely worth a visit. It’s one of those places that we appreciate all the more as we reflect on our experiences there. As for the Venetian windmills, they are worth a side visit if you find yourself on the eastern side of the island visiting the Lassithi Plain and and Psychro Cave (or the Diktaean Cave) where some claim Zeus was born.
As for the panoramas, we use Autopano Giga to stitch a continuous series of shots taken with an 8mm ultra-wide angle lens.
November 13th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
beautiful — I might be motivated to add some 360 panoramas on my next trip!
November 30th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@Todd: Panoramas definitely add a dimension to traditional photography. Glad you liked this one.