Why were wooden beams an important structural element in Mallorca’s windmills and watchtowers?

Wooden beams played a crucial role in the construction of Mallorca’s windmills and watchtowers, serving both practical and structural purposes. In windmills, these beams formed the internal framework that supported the heavy grinding machinery and the rotating sails. Wood was selected for its relative lightness compared to stone, which allowed for easier construction and maintenance of the moving parts essential for harnessing wind power. The flexibility of wood also absorbed stress and vibrations caused by the rotation of the sails, reducing the risk of structural damage over time. This made wooden beams invaluable in ensuring the longevity and functionality of windmills, which were vital for grinding grain and supporting local agriculture.

In watchtowers, wooden beams were equally important but served a slightly different purpose. They provided the internal scaffold that supported platforms, stairs, and floors within the otherwise solid stone towers. This facilitated observation and defense, enabling guards to maintain a clear vantage point over the landscape while securely stationed high above the ground. Timber was often more readily available and easier to work with than stone, allowing builders to create reasonably spacious interiors despite the thick, fortress-like exterior walls. Additionally, using wood internally reduced the overall weight and stress on the masonry, helping to preserve the structural integrity of these tall, exposed buildings against strong Mediterranean winds.

The practical advantages of wooden beams in both windmills and watchtowers go beyond their mechanical and architectural uses. Wood could be replaced or repaired more easily than stone components, which was important in a landscape where durability had to be balanced with resource availability. Moreover, the use of timber reflected centuries-old building traditions in Mallorca, blending local materials with functional design to meet the island’s specific environmental and defensive needs. In this way, wooden beams were not just structural elements but also key contributors to the cultural heritage and engineering ingenuity seen in Mallorca's historic windmills and watchtowers.