Fixed stone mill in Beira, Rua de Sant Ana

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Velas > Rosais > Caminho de Cima

Location

The fixed stone Mill in Beira is nestled in the picturesque locality of Rosais, a parish of the municipality of Velas, on the stunning island of São Jorge, in the heart of the Azores archipelago.

Specifically located on Rua de Sant Ana, in Caminho de Cima, this mill harmoniously integrates into the island's rural and coastal landscape, characterized by lush vegetation and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Its position offers an authentic perspective on local life and the surrounding natural beauty.

The Memory of Traditional Milling

This stone mill represents a valuable testament to the importance of milling for the subsistence of Azorean communities. In the past, these structures were crucial for transforming cereals such as corn and wheat into flour, a staple food for the population.

Its existence evokes a time when the rhythm of life was dictated by nature and the need to harness local resources, with wind being a vital driving force for the daily work of the millers. It allows visitors to understand the ingenuity and self-sufficiency of previous generations.

Architectural Features

The fixed stone Mill in Beira stands out for its robustness and for the use of local stone in its construction, a material that gives it great durability and a perfect integration into the landscape. Typically, these mills have a cylindrical or conical shape, rising above the terrain to capture the wind.

Its structure, designed to withstand the elements and support the mechanical effort of milling, reveals a functional yet symbolic architecture, marking the landscape with its discreet but significant presence. Even without its sails in full operation, the stone tower maintains its dignity and original purpose.

Landscape Setting

The mill's location on Rua de Sant Ana, within Rosais, offers a genuine landscape setting. From its proximity, it is possible to appreciate the natural beauty of the Island of São Jorge, with its verdant pastures descending towards the sea.

The presence of the mill in this rural setting underlines the intimate relationship between man and the environment, serving as a visual landmark that reflects the history and culture of the local community, in constant dialogue with the surrounding beauty.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt