The Montefiore Windmill in Jerusalem was built in 1857 as an actual working 60 foot windmill, to grind grain into flour, for the local Jewish settlers. One legend I read says that it was actually built facing the wrong direction and therefore it never worked. But somehow, I don't think that's true. My guess is that it worked fine until modern technology replaced it.
It seems that many legends surround this structure. Apparently, during the War of Independence in 1948, the windmill was used by Jewish fighters as an observation point. To hinder the Israeli's, the British blew the top of the windmill up in an operation called "Operation Don Quixote".
Today, the windmill is a museum dedicated to history of Sir Moses Montefiore, who was a prominent figure in the Financial circles of London, England. He was also known to be an incredible philanthropist and dedicated alot of his time and wealth aiding his fellow Jews in Palestine, when it was part of the Ottoman Empire. Montefiore was responsible for the actual construction of the Jerusalem windmill - that now bears his name.
I look forward to visiting the Montefiore Windmill so that I can better separate fact from fiction. In addition, I hear that the plaza that surround the windmill allows for some pretty good views of the surrounding area of Jerusalem. Plus, as I said before... I just think windmills are so cool.
