Windmill of Travessa da Passagem

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Horta > Praia do Norte > Praia de Cima

Location

The Windmill of Travessa da Passagem is serenely located in the picturesque locality of Praia do Norte, more specifically in Praia de Cima, in the municipality of Horta, Faial Island, Azores. Its elevated position in the rural landscape, punctuated by verdant fields and close proximity to the coast, gives it a unique setting. This location offers a privileged view of the natural surroundings, allowing a glimpse of the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged beauty of the Faialense coast. Its placement was strategically chosen to take advantage of constant winds, essential for its historical operation, and today it offers an environment of tranquility and contemplation.

Architecture and Significance

This windmill, typical of traditional Azorean architecture, features a robust and functional structure. It is typically characterized by a white-washed masonry tower, conical or cylindrical in shape, rising from the ground. At its top rests the "chapeleiro" (cap/bonnet), the rotating structure that supports the large wooden sails, formerly responsible for harnessing the wind's power. Although its interior may have housed complex milling machinery, its exterior presence alone is a testament to the ingenuity and self-sufficiency of local communities. Its design reflects adaptation to the climate and available resources on the island, utilizing materials such as volcanic stone, abundant in the region.

Testimony to a Rural Past

The Windmill of Travessa da Passagem is a living symbol of a past where agriculture and grain milling were pillars of island subsistence. These wind-powered machines played a crucial role in the daily lives of the populations, transforming grains into flour and contributing to the local economy. Their existence evokes an era of hard work and a deep connection to the land and natural cycles. Although many of these windmills have lost their original function, they remain as guardians of the collective memory and cultural heritage of the Azoreans, marking the landscape and telling the story of resilience and adaptation of the people of Faial Island.

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