3 windmills in Lomba

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Horta > Horta

Location

The three windmills at Lomba stand in an elevated area in the locality of Horta, in the eponymous municipality and on Faial Island, in the Azores. Their strategic position takes advantage of the constant sea breeze that sweeps this part of the island. From this elevated point, the gaze wanders over the surrounding green landscape, often extending to the deep blue of the Atlantic, with wide views of the horizon.

Legacy and Ingenuity

These structures are silent testimonies of a past when grain milling was a fundamental pillar of the local economy. Each mill played a vital role in transforming the grains harvested on the island into flour, contributing to the self-sufficiency and sustenance of the Faialense communities. They represent human ingenuity in harmonizing with natural elements, harnessing the force of the wind for a task essential to the rural daily life of yesteryear.

Architectural Features

The three windmills are typically built with robust stone bases, usually cylindrical, which give them the necessary solidity to withstand the Atlantic winds. The use of local stone in their construction allows for an organic integration with the surrounding landscape. Although their original wooden casings and sails may not be fully preserved, their imposing stone structures remain, evoking their former function and the functional simplicity of their design. The presence of a trio of windmills in this location gives it a unique visual particularity.

Scenic Setting

The elevated location of the windmills at Lomba provides a remarkable scenic setting. Their silhouettes stand out against the sky, especially captivating in moments of softer light, such as sunrise or sunset, when their contours are accentuated by natural illumination. The site is bathed in the unique light of the island and exposed to the dominant winds, allowing for a deep sensory experience of the connection between human work and the Azorean natural elements. This environment invites contemplation of history and the island's intimate relationship with its surroundings.

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