Fixed stone mill on São Mateus Beach, Arrochela

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

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

Location:

Located near the coastal area of Praia São Mateus, this windmill is situated in the Arrochela zone, within the locality of São Mateus. Its location in the area known as Lagoa, in the municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, places it in a setting that combines human presence with the proximity of the ocean, offering characteristic views of Graciosa's coastal landscape.

A Historical Symbol:

This stone windmill is a testament to Graciosa's agricultural history. For centuries, structures like this were fundamental for transforming cereals such as wheat and corn into flour, a staple of the local diet. It represents the ingenuity of the inhabitants in harnessing the natural force of the wind and is a symbol of the island's rural life and self-sufficiency in the past.

Traditional Architecture:

The architecture of this windmill stands out for its robust stone structure, characteristic of fixed windmills. Unlike windmills with a rotating body, in this type of construction only the upper mechanism with the sails would orient according to the wind. The tower, usually troncoconical or cylindrical in shape, is built with local stone, integrating into the landscape and resisting the elements. It is an authentic example of the island's traditional construction technique.

Scenic Setting:

Situated in the coastal area of Praia São Mateus, the stone windmill benefits from a particular natural and scenic setting. Its discreet presence in the landscape contrasts with and complements the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline. It is a spot that invites contemplation of the surrounding landscape, where the sound of the waves mixes with the breeze, and offers opportunities to capture the memory of the visit through photography, with the windmill's traditional structure highlighted against the natural backdrop.

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