Fixed stone mill in Bom Jesus, Canada da Achada

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Santa Cruz da Graciosa > Bom Jesus > Canada da Achada

Location

This stone mill is located in Canada da Achada, integrated into the locality of Bom Jesus, in the municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa. Its location, in a higher and more open area, is typical for this type of construction, taking advantage of ideal wind conditions for grinding. It is situated in an area with the island's traditional rural character.

Traditional Architecture

The mill features the typical architecture of the windmills of Graciosa island. Its main structure is a robust tower, built of local stone, with a conical shape that gives it stability and resistance to winds. Being a fixed mill, only the top, where the sails are located, would rotate to orient itself according to the wind direction.

Testimony of the Past

This mill is an important testimony to the rural and agricultural life of Graciosa in old times. Built for the grinding of cereals, such as wheat and corn, it played a fundamental role in the subsistence of local communities for many years. Its presence in the landscape recalls the island's strong connection to the land and traditional activities.

Mark on the Graciosa Landscape

Beyond its functional importance, the mill is today a distinctive mark on the landscape of Bom Jesus and Graciosa. With its unmistakable silhouette, it contrasts with the vegetation and the sky, contributing to the unique character of the island's rural environment. It represents not only popular engineering but also the harmony between man and natural resources, such as wind.

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