Windmill in Lomba dos Frades

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Horta > Praia do Almoxarife > Chão Frio

Location

The Windmill at Lomba dos Frades is situated in an elevated area, within Lomba dos Frades itself, integrated into the Chão Frio zone. This point is located in the locality of Praia do Almoxarife, within the municipality of Horta. Its elevated position offers a broad perspective over the horizon, encompassing the surrounding natural landscape and the coastline.

Architecture and Visual Elements

This unique windmill stands out for its traditional architecture and design. Its structure, entirely made of wood, has the particularity of being rotatable, allowing the body of the mill to orient itself according to the wind direction. It is visually striking due to its intense red color, which covers both the main structure and the stairs surrounding it. From its arms protrude the sails, essential elements that once captured the force of the wind for grinding.

Landscape and Scenic Environment

From the Windmill at Lomba dos Frades, one can enjoy a scenic environment of great beauty. Its privileged location offers a landscape of rare breadth, with unobstructed views extending from the island's green to the ocean's blue. The presence of the windmill, with its characteristic silhouette, enriches the panorama, creating an appealing visual tableau that invites contemplation and appreciation of the natural surroundings. It is a point that highlights the calm and grandeur of the Faialense landscape.

Heritage and Local Memory

This windmill represents a testament to local tradition and history, evoking times when wind power was fundamental for daily life in Azorean communities. Although its original milling function may have ceased, the windmill remains a symbol of Faial's cultural heritage. Its preservation contributes to the island's collective memory, offering a tangible link to the past and a glimpse into the practices that shaped the landscape and society throughout the centuries.

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