Montefiore Windmill
Museum 19th-century windmill in Jerusalem built by Montefiore
Built in the 19th century by Moses Montefiore, the Montefiore Windmill sits in Jerusalem’s Yemin Moshe; tourists visit for its history, 19th‑century urban planning and views toward the Old City.
Montefiore Windmill is a 19th-century windmill in the Yemin Moshe area of Jerusalem, erected by Sir Moses Montefiore in 1857. It was intended to produce flour as part of Montefiore’s initiatives to support Jewish economic self-sufficiency outside the Old City.
The structure is presented to visitors as a historic industrial building within a restored 19th-century neighbourhood, and it forms part of the short walking circuit that includes Mishkenot Sha’ananim and nearby viewpoints over the Old City. Interpretive displays explain the windmill’s original role and later conservation.
Commissioned and paid for by Montefiore, the windmill ceased commercial operations as urban development and technology changed and was subsequently repaired and conserved in the 20th century. Today it is maintained as a heritage site within the Yemin Moshe area.
The windmill stands on a hill west of Jerusalem’s Old City walls, within the Yemin Moshe/Mishkenot Sha’ananim precinct, about a short walk from Jaffa Gate and central Jerusalem.
- Date and purpose: Built in 1857 by the British philanthropist Sir Moses Montefiore to house a community flour mill and encourage local industry.
- Location: Located in the Yemin Moshe / Mishkenot Sha'ananim area west of Jerusalem's Old City and is part of the neighbourhood's historic attractions.
How to Get to Montefiore Windmill #
From central Jerusalem (Jaffa Gate/Old City): it’s a 15-20 minute walk west to Yemin Moshe and the Montefiore Windmill. Alternatively take a short taxi ride or local bus toward the City Center; the windmill sits above the Mishkenot Sha’ananim promenade with easy pedestrian access.
Tips for Visiting Montefiore Windmill #
- Visit in the late afternoon for the warm, golden light on the whitewashed walls of Yemin Moshe.
- Look for the short exhibit inside the windmill that explains its 1857 construction by Moses Montefiore - it's small but illuminating.
- Combine a visit with a walk along Mishkenot Sha'ananim and the nearby Montefiore Promenade for one of the best skyline views of the Old City.
Best Time to Visit Montefiore Windmill #
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit the windmill and adjacent neighborhoods.
Weather & Climate near Montefiore Windmill #
Montefiore Windmill's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 28°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (106 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
