Zaliukiu vejo malunas, Siauliu Ausros muziejus

The Žaliūkiai Windmill, part of the Šiauliai “Aušra” Museum, is one of the city’s most charming heritage sites—a fully restored 19th‑century mill that once served as a vital grain‑processing centre for surrounding villages. Built around 1875, it is one of the few surviving Lithuanian post‑mills, a type known for its rotating wooden body that could be turned to face the wind. Inside, visitors can explore the mill’s original wooden machinery: grinding stones, gears, shafts, and the impressive central post that allowed the entire structure to pivot. The interior is surprisingly atmospheric, with creaking beams and the scent of old timber offering a vivid sense of rural life before industrialisation. Demonstrations show how grain was milled using wind power alone, revealing the precision and craftsmanship required to keep such a structure running. The miller’s house next door adds another layer to the visit. Restored as a cosy ethnographic home, it displays traditional household items, tools, and textiles, giving insight into daily life in Samogitia at the turn of the 20th century. Seasonal workshops—bread‑baking, crafts, and folk traditions—bring the site to life, especially for families.