Fixed stone mill in Ribeirinha, Alto da Ribeirinha

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Santa Cruz da Graciosa > Guadalupe > Jorge Gomes

Location

Situated on the serene island of Graciosa, in the Azores, the fixed stone Windmill in Ribeirinha is located in Guadalupe, more precisely at the summit of Alto da Ribeirinha. This elevated location offers a privileged perspective over the island's natural and rural surroundings.

From this vantage point, the horizon opens up into wide views, allowing one to contemplate Graciosa's characteristic landscape, punctuated by green fields and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean in the background.

Molinological Heritage

This stone windmill is a remarkable example of Azorean vernacular architecture and popular engineering. Its robust and imposing structure is typical of fixed windmills, essential for grinding cereals that sustained local communities throughout the centuries.

Azorean windmills, like this one, are often recognizable by their cylindrical or conical whitewashed masonry base, culminating in a wooden dome, commonly painted vibrant red, which houses the mechanism and the sails. Their presence recalls the vital role these structures played in the island's economy and daily life, testifying to the resilience and inventiveness of its people.

Scenic and Symbolic Value

Beyond its undeniable historical and architectural value, the fixed stone Windmill in Ribeirinha is an element of great scenic importance in Graciosa's landscape. Its distinctive silhouette harmonizes with the rural environment, becoming a recognizable visual landmark and an attraction for those exploring the island.

These windmills are, in fact, icons of Azorean identity, symbolizing the strong connection of the islanders to the land and natural elements. They represent a bridge to the past, where the rhythm of life was dictated by the force of the wind, fundamental for grinding cereals and, consequently, for sustaining the populations.

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