Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill
District: Açores > Madalena > São Caetano
Situated in the quiet village of São Caetano, in the municipality of Madalena, this windmill occupies a privileged position on Pico Island, in the Azores. Its location was certainly chosen to take advantage of the prevailing winds that characterize the Atlantic landscape. From this point, the horizon opens up to views that embrace the vast ocean, with the volcanic coastline creating a scene of unique beauty. The surroundings are marked by rural tranquility, where the windmill's structure blends harmoniously with the lush greenery and the island's characteristic rock formations.
This example is distinguished by its predominantly wooden construction, a material that gives it an organic aesthetic and particular sturdiness. Its designation as "rotating" points to a remarkable architectural feature: the ability of the windmill's entire upper body to move, adapting to the wind's direction. This engineering allowed its sails to always be oriented towards the driving force, thus ensuring maximum efficiency in grinding grain. The simplicity of its lines and the functionality of its design are a testament to popular mastery and ingenuity, adapted to the available local conditions and resources.
The presence of this windmill in São Caetano, in an area nicknamed the "Land of Bread," directly evokes its crucial role in the subsistence of the island communities. This was where the corn and wheat, grown in the Azorean fields, were transformed into flour, a fundamental ingredient for the bread that fed the families. The windmill, therefore, represents a symbol of the self-sufficiency and resilience of the inhabitants of Pico, who, by harnessing natural resources like the wind, ensured essential production for daily life. Its existence hearkens back to a time when dependence on the land and the climate dictated the rhythm of daily life.
The São Caetano windmill is not just an isolated structure; it is a fundamental piece in the landscape tapestry of Pico Island. Its silhouette, set against the blue of the sky and sea or the green of the pastures, offers a unique perspective on the interaction between nature and human action. The sound of the wind passing through its structures, once driving its sails, complements the sensory experience of the location. It is a point where traditional engineering merges with the dramatic beauty of a volcanic island environment, inviting contemplation and acknowledgment of Azorean rural history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.4222877,-28.3936176
Coordinates DMS: 38°25'20.2"N 28°23'37.0"W
Weather São Caetano
On-duty Pharmacy São Caetano
