Maelbroekmolen

The brick chimney shaft forms a freestanding construction within the old mill yard that is partly surrounded by the former mill buildings. With its height of 21.5 metres, the chimney towers strongly above the rural industrial buildings next to the mill stream. The chimney starts on a high square base with a rectangular recess on each side. The substructure was finished by a stepped, projecting brick cornice. The foot of the round brick chimney pipe has a stepped, widening start. The chimney pipe narrows clearly towards the top. The end has a projecting, raised edge.
(Inventory of Immovable Heritage)

The Maalbroek mill on the Molenbeekweg in Massemen (Wetteren) was first mentioned in the 16th century.
In 1894, the watermill was converted into a mechanical grain mill: a steam engine was installed and a 21 m high chimney was built. However, the water wheel was also still used, which with a diameter of approximately 6.40 m was one of the largest in Flanders.
In 1941 the wheel was removed and replaced by a turbine.
The mill remained in operation until about 1965.
In 2005 the site of the Maalbroekmolen was protected as a monument.
The restored complex is now used as a residence.

In the front building of the Maelbroekmolen is a microbrewery of Steffen De Backer. Pikaflor. He has a permanent offer of
6 beers and others according to the season. On Sundays these can be tasted from 14h30, or by appointment www pikaflor.be
A must for beer lovers.