Moledos Mill, São Mateus, Canada dos Coxos

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Madalena > São Mateus > Canada dos Coxos

Location

The Moledos Windmill is serenely located in the village of São Mateus, more specifically in the area known as Canada dos Coxos, in the municipality of Madalena, on the beautiful island of Pico, Azores. Its strategic position offers a privileged perspective over the surrounding landscape, characterized by the predominance of green fields and its proximity to the vast Atlantic. This natural setting, often swept by Atlantic winds, is the ideal backdrop for a structure like this, which harmonizes with the horizon line and the island's unique volcanic orography.

Testimony to the Rural Past

This windmill represents an important link to the agricultural and self-sufficient past of Pico Island. Structures like the Moledos Windmill were vital for local communities, playing a fundamental role in grinding cereals, essential for feeding the populations. Its presence recalls the times when life depended directly on natural resources and human ingenuity to transform the force of the wind into work, thus sustaining the daily lives of Azoreans.

Architecture and Landscape Integration

The Moledos Windmill showcases the traditional architecture of Azorean windmills, with its cylindrical or conical tower, typically whitewashed, which contrasts with the movable reddish or dark roof. Its imposing sails, when present, capture the force of the winds blowing from the ocean, evoking its original function. Its robust design, often built with local stone, not only guarantees its durability against the elements but also allows for perfect integration with the surrounding natural landscape, making it a distinctive and photogenic element in Pico's scenery.

Heritage and Views

More than a simple structure, the Moledos Windmill is a symbol of the identity and resilience of Pico Island. Its location in Canada dos Coxos offers not only the opportunity to observe an example of Azorean vernacular architecture but also to enjoy unobstructed views over the agricultural fields that stretch to the coast. On days of good visibility, the panorama can extend to the ocean and neighboring islands, highlighting the beauty and tranquility of this corner of the Azores.

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