Fixed stone mill in Guadalupe, Beira-Mar da Vitória nº24

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Santa Cruz da Graciosa > Guadalupe > Beira-Mar da Vitória

Location

This example of traditional Azorean architecture is located on Graciosa Island, in the Azores, specifically in the locality of Guadalupe. Its presence stands out in the coastal area known as Beira-Mar da Vitória, with the specific address at number 24.

The mill's location offers a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape, combining the island's rural serenity with the proximity and vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

Architecture and History

Built of robust stone, the mill features a fixed, typically conical structure, designed to withstand the winds blowing from the Atlantic. This edifice is a testament to the ingenious technology and know-how of the Graciosan communities, who depended on these mills for their subsistence.

Its primary function, over the centuries, was the grinding of cereals, such as wheat and corn, essential for flour production and, consequently, for the local population's food supply. The mill was, therefore, a fundamental pillar of the agricultural economy and daily life on Graciosa Island, reflecting a period when the force of nature was directly harnessed for human needs.

Cultural and Scenic Value

Beyond its historical functional importance, the fixed stone mill in Guadalupe today plays a significant role in the cultural and visual landscape of Graciosa. Its silhouette, imposingly erected, is a characteristic element that contributes to the identity and charm of Beira-Mar da Vitória and the locality of Guadalupe.

It represents a tangible link to the island's agricultural past, evoking a time when the rhythm of life was intrinsically tied to the cycles of nature. Its presence invites contemplation of the simple and authentic beauty of Graciosa Island's rural and coastal environment.

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