Rotating wooden mill in Fajã Grande, Caminho do Porto.

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Calheta > Fajã Grande

Location

The mill is located in Fajã Grande, a parish in the municipality of Calheta, on the island of São Jorge, Azores. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 40 to 50 meters, on a small elevation overlooking Caminho do Porto, with an unobstructed view of the sea and surrounded by scattered residential buildings. Its location allows for appreciation of the coastal landscape and the traditional layout of the fajã, marked by agricultural land and narrow paths.

Access to the site is via an asphalted road, allowing for convenient arrival on foot or by car. The structure stands on a circular stone track that protrudes from a small walled terrace, providing a prominent visual framing within the surrounding urban and rural landscape.

Origin and History

This wooden mill was built in 1932 by João Azevedo Quadros, father of the current owner. Originally used for grinding cereals, it is a typical example of the rotating mills of São Jorge island, adapted to the wind conditions and the island's rugged topography. Its wooden construction and rotating system allowed the sails to be aligned with the prevailing wind direction, optimizing its operation.

Later, it was rebuilt by João Azevedo Quadros (son), a carpenter and cabinetmaker, who preserved the original structure, restoring the mill's mechanism and body for museological purposes. The mill is currently classified as a Municipal Interest Property, under Resolution no. 37/2000, standing out for its heritage and symbolic value to the local community.

Architecture and Characteristics

The structure consists of a circular stone pedestal with a track 5.20 meters in diameter and approximately 40 cm wide, on which the red-painted wooden body rests. The base has varied and asymmetrical dimensions, adapting to the functional form of the construction. The roof, also made of wood, is inclined with five facets and painted in the same shade as the body, giving it aesthetic uniformity.

The mill's operating mechanism remains complete, including the eight wooden poles on which the sails are mounted. These can be manually oriented, rotating the entire body of the mill on the stone track to best utilize the wind. This simple yet ingenious system reflects the traditional knowledge of the region's millers.

Environment and Surroundings

The mill stands out in the landscape with its vibrant red color and distinct shape, offering a striking contrast with the green vegetation and the blue sea in the background. Its elevated position allows for a panoramic view of the coast and the Atlantic Ocean, being particularly appealing to those who appreciate quiet places with visual and symbolic value.

Despite being located in an inhabited area, the mill retains a sense of isolation and authenticity, reflecting the historical relationship between vernacular architecture and the natural environment. The calm surroundings and rural context enhance the site's appeal for those seeking to observe traditional heritage in a typical São Jorge setting.

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