Fixed stone mill on the Top, Wide Path

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Calheta > Barreiro > Canada da Levada

Location

The fixed stone Mill at the Top, Caminho Largo, is located in the quiet urbanization of Canada da Levada, an integral part of the locality of Barreiro. This area belongs to the municipality of Calheta, on the island of São Jorge. Its elevated position grants it a unique integration into the surrounding landscape, typical of the island's rural and serene environment. The "Caminho Largo" refers to the path that leads to this mill, suggesting an access that harmonizes with the natural environment and local traditional architecture.

Architectural Heritage

This mill stands out as an example of a fixed stone mill, a robust and permanent structure built entirely of masonry. Unlike other types of mills, its solid stone construction grants it durability and a striking presence in the landscape. It represents a valuable testament to ancient milling techniques and popular engineering, reflecting the importance of agricultural activity and cereal production in the subsistence of Azorean communities throughout the centuries.

Environment and Perspectives

The mill's location "at the Top" offers a unique vantage point over the surroundings of Canada da Levada and Barreiro. It is a place that invites appreciation of the rural landscape, with its fields, expansive views, and the blowing breeze, all characteristic of São Jorge island. The quietness of the environment and the simplicity of the mill's structure provide a space for reflection, where one can feel connected to the history and nature of the place, enjoying a calm and genuine atmosphere.

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