De Nachtegaal der Maatvennen

De Nachtegaal der Maatvennen is a historic post windmill standing in Ravels, in the Flemish province of Antwerp, Belgium, along the road that once led toward Arendonk via Ravels-Eel. Belonging to a small category of belt-driven mills, it served local farmers for generations as a place to grind grain, mainly rye and barley destined for animal feed.

When was this mill built and by whom?

The current structure dates from 1869. It was built by Leonardus Van Himbergen, a miller originally from the nearby village of Netersel, who settled in Ravels after marrying Joanna Maria Catherina De Jongh, the owner of the land and the earlier mill on the site. The new building replaced a wooden post mill that had collapsed the previous year, in 1868, after being caught by strong winds. The chosen location was no accident: the open ground along the road to Arendonk gave the windmill unobstructed exposure to wind, essential for turning its heavy millstones.

Why did the mill stop working, and how was it saved?

The mill operated as a working grain mill for more than eighty years, until production finally ceased in 1952. Once milling stopped, the structure began to deteriorate — the lack of regular upkeep and the natural wear of its timber frame gradually took their toll. The turning point came in 1971, when the mill underwent a full restoration. The work was carried out by Caers, an experienced millwright from the nearby town of Retie who specialized in reviving traditional windmills of this part of Flanders.

What makes this windmill stand out among others in the region?

De Nachtegaal der Maatvennen earned a notable place in local history through an unusual technical milestone. On Thursday, April 6, 2006, the mill completed its one-millionth rotation of the sails, becoming the first windmill in the entire province of Antwerp to reach that number. The achievement reflected just how consistently the mill had been kept in motion, both during its working decades and afterward, when it continued to turn mainly for demonstration and educational purposes.

Can visitors still see the mill in operation today?

Yes. Although De Nachtegaal der Maatvennen no longer mills grain on an industrial scale, it remains a living structure rather than a static museum piece. The mill opens its doors to the public on the last Sunday of each month from April through September. On those days, volunteer millers are present on site, sharing the building's history, explaining how its grinding mechanism works, and demonstrating the movement of the sails and millstones in practice.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the mill located? In Ravels, along the former road to Arendonk via Ravels-Eel, in the Flemish province of Antwerp, Belgium.

What type of windmill is it? A post mill of the belt-driven (bergmolen) type, originally powered entirely by wind.

When can it be visited? On the last Sunday of the months from April to September, when the mill is open to visitors.

What was ground at this mill? Mainly rye and barley, used as feed for livestock.

Has the mill kept its original form? The 1869 structure survives today thanks to a thorough restoration carried out in 1971 by millwright Caers of Retie.