Fixed stone mill 3 on São Mateus Beach, Arrochela

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Santa Cruz da Graciosa > São Mateus > Arrochela

Location

This windmill is situated on the picturesque island of Graciosa, an integral part of the Azores archipelago. Specifically, it is located in the parish of São Mateus, in the area known as Arrochela, within the municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa. Its position is notable for its proximity to São Mateus Beach, which gives it a distinctive coastal setting and a visual connection to the vast Atlantic Ocean. Its presence is an element that integrates into the local landscape.

The Traditional Stone Structure

The São Mateus Beach Windmill is an example of a "fixed stone mill," a construction typology that characterizes many of the island's windmills. Built with the volcanic stone characteristic of the Azores, its robustness and durability are evident, reflecting the traditional construction techniques of the region. These structures were fundamental for grinding cereals, playing a central role in the economy and daily life of the Graciosan communities over several generations.

A Legacy in the Coastal Landscape

The presence of this windmill by the coast offers a setting where human engineering meets the force of nature. Rising as a silent testament to Graciosa's agricultural past, the windmill symbolizes the autonomy and adaptability of its inhabitants. Those who observe this windmill are invited to reflect on the island's history and how communities managed to harness natural resources, such as wind, for their subsistence, creating a lasting landmark in the coastal landscape.

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