De Kat (The Cat Windmill), Zaandam (must see)

The Cat Windmill is a true marvel in the world of milling. What sets this remarkable structure apart is its singular distinction – it is the last surviving working windmill globally dedicated to the craft of paint-making.

The roots of The Cat Windmill trace back to its original construction in 1646, when it began its journey as an oil mill. However, in 1782, tragedy struck as a fire consumed the mill, reducing it to ashes. But the spirit of this industrious windmill persevered, and it was swiftly rebuilt, rising from the ashes to continue its vital work.

For nearly a century, The Cat Windmill dutifully fulfilled its role, ceaselessly grinding and processing materials. However, as the winds of change swept through the landscape, modernization crept in. In 1904, The Cat Windmill ceased its operations and was partially dismantled, marking the end of an era.

In 1960, another chapter of its illustrious history unfolded. The eight-sided paint mill known as 'De Duinjager' faced the inevitability of urban development and was relocated from its original site to a new home atop the old storehouse of 'De Kat.' This remarkable relocation rekindled the mill's purpose, and it once again sprang to life, grinding raw materials like chalk in the traditional manner to produce pigments used in paints.

Today, The Cat Windmill stands as a living museum of heritage, a testament to craftsmanship that spans generations. It's a place where the art of paint-making is preserved in its traditional form, allowing visitors to step back in time and witness the meticulous process that once colored the world.