Timeline

Origin and history

The windmill des Quatre Croix is an iconic building located in the commune of Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire, in the department of Maine-et-Loire, in the Pays de la Loire region. The mill, built in the 4th quarter of the 18th century and in the 1st quarter of the 19th century, bears witness to the architecture and traditional milling techniques of the time. It embodies the industrial and rural heritage of Anjou, a region marked by a long tradition of wind and water mills, essential for flour production and local economic development.

Since 28 March 1977, the mill of the Four Crosses has received official recognition for its heritage value. This protection preserves its structure and history, while providing a concrete testimony to the craftsmanship and lifestyles of the rural populations of the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the available sources do not specify its current use (visit, rental, etc.), its inscription in the Merimée base and its precise location on the Saumur road make it a point of interest for the enthusiasts of history and heritage.

The region of Pays de la Loire, and more particularly Anjou, has long been a territory where mills played a central role in the local economy. These buildings served not only to grind grain, but also as gathering points for rural communities. Their gradual decline, linked to industrialization and new technologies, has led to the disappearance of many copies, making the preservation of those still standing, like the mill of the Four Crosses, all the more valuable.

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