Engineering That Commands Silence: Kinderdijk (Windmills)
Article
Kinderdijk, engineering that commands silence In Kinderdijk, South Holland, nineteen monumental windmills form a spectacular line along the water’s edge. The landscape appears peaceful, almost motionless. Yet it tells the story of a technical and collective struggle against water: these windmills were built between 1738 and 1740 to prevent the flooding of the Alblasserwaard polder. Most of them are located in the village of Kinderdijk, now part of the municipality of Molenlanden. Only one, De Blokker, falls within the neighbouring municipality of Alblasserdam. Together, they form the largest concentration of historic windmills in the Netherlands. Why make the detour Kinderdijk is more than a Dutch postcard image. The site offers a tangible understanding of the role windmills have played in water management and in protecting low-lying land. With its canals, dikes and wooden silhouettes, it makes the idea of a country shaped by its hydraulic system especially clear. The windmills have retained their presence in the landscape, even though most of the hydraulic system is now handled by two diesel pumping stations located near one of the site’s entrances. Some windmills are nevertheless still in use. The heritage value of the ensemble is recognised at several levels: the windmills are listed as national monuments, the area has been a protected urban landscape since 1993, and Kinderdijk has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The best time Kinderdijk is best experienced outdoors, along the water and facing the line of windmills. Soft light helps bring out the contrasts between the canals, meadows and dark façades of the buildings. As Dutch weather can change quickly, it is wise to bring clothing suited to wind and rain. Preparing your visit The site is best approached as a hydraulic landscape as much as a collection of windmills. Taking time to observe the canals, dikes and pumping installations provides a better understanding of the site’s original function. Access conditions for visitable areas, any windmill tours and available services may vary depending on the season. It is recommended to check practical information with the official site before setting off. Access and landmarks Kinderdijk is located in the Alblasserwaard polder, in the province of South Holland, in the Netherlands. The heart of the site brings together eighteen windmills within Molenlanden; the De Blokker windmill stands in Alblasserdam. The key landmark is simple: follow the waterways towards the line of windmills. Here, the horizon is no accident. It is the result of engineering designed to keep the land safe from water.
Information
Where: Kinderdijk — Pays-Bas
URL : https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulins_%C3%A0_vent_de_Kinderdijk