Joana Alves' windmill

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Horta > Cedros

Location

Joana Alves Windmill is serenely located in the village of Cedros, municipality of Horta, on Faial Island, in the Azores. Its elevated position is typical for this type of structure, taking advantage of the dominant winds and providing a setting that allows one to enjoy the Azorean rural landscape. From this point, the view encompasses the island's verdant nature, characteristic of the Cedros area, nestled in an environment of tranquility and pure air.

Traditional Architecture

This windmill is an example of Faial's traditional architecture linked to agricultural activity. Its construction reflects the ingenuity and adaptation of the inhabitants to the island's natural conditions. Typically, these structures are built with a robust stone base, cylindrical or conical in shape, which supports the movable upper part, known as a cap, where the sails are attached to harness wind energy. Joana Alves Windmill, by its own merit, is a testament to the popular building technique of yesteryear.

Legacy and Landscape

Joana Alves Windmill represents a link to Faial's agrarian past, where grain milling was a fundamental necessity for the subsistence of the local community. Although many of these windmills are no longer in operation, their presence in the landscape is a cultural and historical element of great value. It contributes to the visual identity of the village of Cedros and the island, symbolizing the perseverance and self-sufficiency of the islanders. Its mere existence invites reflection on Azorean rural life throughout the centuries.

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