Fixed stone mill in Fontes, Canada da Grota.

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Santa Cruz da Graciosa > Fontes > Canada da Grota

Location:

This windmill is located on Graciosa Island, within the locality of Fontes.

It is more precisely situated in Canada da Grota, a typical area of Graciosa's landscape that is part of the municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa.

Its position in a 'Canada' means it is in an area with a concentration of dwellings, arranged along a path, characteristic of the island's rural urbanism.

An Example of Local Architecture

It is a windmill classified as a "fixed stone" type.

This distinguishes it from other types of windmills, as its main structure is solid and does not have the ability to rotate at its base to orient itself to the wind.

Built with stone masonry, this type of windmill reflects traditional construction techniques and the availability of materials on the island.

Memory of Agricultural Activity

Like many other windmills scattered across Graciosa, this structure was once fundamental to the life of local communities.

Its original function was the grinding of cereals, such as wheat or corn, essential for the sustenance of the island's inhabitants.

The presence of this windmill in Canada da Grota serves as a silent testament to the importance of agriculture and manual labor in Graciosa's history.

A Landmark in the Graciosa Landscape

Even though it is no longer operational, the fixed stone windmill remains an element that enriches the landscape of Canada da Grota and the locality of Fontes.

Its conical shape and the robustness of its stone construction blend into the surrounding environment, lending it a distinctive local identity.

Observing this windmill offers a perspective on the island's built heritage and the relationship of past generations with natural resources and the landscape.

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