Fixed stone mill in Almas, Canada das Eiras.

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Santa Cruz da Graciosa > Guadalupe > Tanque

Location

This windmill is located in the Tanque area, an area within the locality of Guadalupe, in the municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa. It is found in the area known as Almas, specifically on Canada das Eiras. Its location is set within a more rural or semi-rural context of the parish, characterized by the typical agrarian landscape of Graciosa island, where these windmills were integrated into daily life and the landscape.

Form and Construction

It is a fixed-type windmill, built predominantly of stone. This type of structure is characteristic of the island's traditional milling architecture, generally featuring a cylindrical or truncated cone base and a dome that could be rotatable to orient the sails to the wind. The solidity of the stone construction gives it a robust presence in the landscape.

Historical Testimony

Windmills, like this one exemplified in Almas, are important testimonies to the economic and social history of Graciosa. For centuries, grain milling relied heavily on wind power, these buildings being essential elements for processing local agricultural products. Their existence recalls the importance of agriculture and traditional production techniques on the island.

Element in the Landscape

With its characteristic stone silhouette, the windmill on Canada das Eiras functions as a landmark in the surrounding area. Its presence contributes to the visual identity of Guadalupe's rural landscape, connecting the natural environment to human activities and the built heritage that has shaped the island over time.

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