Fixed stone mill in Silveira

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Lajes do Pico > Ribeiras > Silveira

Location:

This windmill is located in the Silveira area, part of the locality of Ribeiras, belonging to the municipality of Lajes do Pico. Its position is characteristic of many of the island's windmills, being situated in an area where wind capture was favorable. The surroundings are markedly rural, with landscapes that reflect the community's historical relationship with the territory and its proximity to the coast.

An Element of Local History

Windmills played a fundamental role in the life and economy of the communities of Pico, being essential structures for grinding cereals such as wheat or corn. This fixed stone example represents that legacy. Its existence recalls the times when wind energy was directly harnessed for agricultural work, marking the landscape and the memory of its inhabitants.

Construction in Volcanic Stone

The structure of this windmill is solid, built predominantly with the local volcanic stone, abundant on Pico Island. It is characterized by being a fixed windmill, which means that the main body of the stone tower did not rotate. Only the cap, where the sails were fixed, was oriented to capture wind coming from different directions. This construction technique gives the windmill great resistance and a natural integration into the island's rocky environment.

Landscape Setting

A visit to the location where the Silveira windmill stands offers an opportunity to appreciate the surrounding landscape of Ribeiras. The combination of stone construction with the green of the fields and the blue of the ocean, depending on visibility, creates a tranquil setting. It is a spot that allows one to observe the simple beauty and authenticity of the Azorean rural environment.

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