Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill
District: Açores > Madalena > São Caetano > Rua de Cima
The Moinho da Queimada (Queimada Windmill) is strategically situated in the locality of São Caetano, in the municipality of Madalena, on the stunning Pico Island, in the Azores archipelago. Its elevated position, typical of windmills, which need to be exposed to wind currents, offers a privileged perspective over the surrounding natural environment. This spot on the "Caminho do Meio" (Middle Path) provides an immersion into the island's rural and coastal environment, with sweeping views extending from the lush green landscape to the vast blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
This windmill is a beautiful example of Azorean vernacular architecture, characterized by its simplicity and functionality. With its robust and cylindrical structure, usually whitewashed, it stands out in the landscape as a landmark. The conical dome, often painted red, and the wooden sails, once moved by the force of the wind, attest to its original function of grinding cereals. It is a testament to the ingenious adaptation of the island's inhabitants to available natural resources, converting wind energy into essential sustenance for the community.
The Moinho da Queimada is more than a simple structure; it is a tangible link to the agricultural past of Pico Island. It represents a period where self-sufficiency and the intelligent use of natural resources were pillars of daily life. Its presence recalls the times when cereal production and milling were central to the sustenance of families. It symbolizes the resilience and industriousness of previous generations, marking the landscape with a silhouette that evokes memories of a traditional way of life deeply connected to the land and the elements.
Surrounded by the island's unique volcanic landscape, the Moinho da Queimada offers an environment of serene contemplation. The constant breeze that once propelled its sails can still be felt today, providing a feeling of freshness and connection with nature. From this location, visitors are invited to absorb the beauty of the panorama, which spans from the characteristic fields and vineyards of Pico to the vastness of the Atlantic, serving as an invitation to appreciate the tranquility and uniqueness of the Azorean environment.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.4266341,-28.4286842
Coordinates DMS: 38°25'35.9"N 28°25'43.3"W