The water mill of Philippi in Mylopotamos is a unique example of traditional Kythera architecture and technology. In addition to its impressive construction, it offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the Kytherian way of life in the past. In those years, the area numbered 23 mills, making the area a richly active commercial center, bustling with life, socializing, and famous festivities.
Today the Philippi watermill is the only surviving functional watermill in Mylopotamos of Kythira. It was built in the 18th century and is in excellent condition, thanks to the renovation carried out in 1995 by its owner Philippa Zervo.
The watermill is a two-story stone building with a wooden roof. On the ground floor is the grinding mechanism, which consists of a wheel, a millstone and a screen.
Philippi’s Watermill is the sixth Watermill in a row in ravine Mills of Mylopotamos. The groove of the water mill (Mylaulakos or Trafos) brings the water to Voutsi (water tank). Mylaulako is approximately 350 meters long. Voutsi is 10 meters high, so that the water falls vertically with force. The groove of the Watermill and the auger are the force that rotates the upper millstone (Panarea). The upper millstone rotates over the fixed stationary stone (catarea) and grinds the wheat into flour.
On the floor is the wheat and flour storage area.
The watermill of Philip is a living monument of the history and culture of Kythira. In addition to being a tourist attraction, it also functions as a museum, where visitors can learn about the traditional grain milling technique.
This is a life’s work of a creative and inventive man, who will be remembered forever.
Unfortunately today the mill is closed.
