Ballista Mill, Urzelina, New Path

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Açores > Velas > Urzelina > Ribeira do Nabo

Location

The Balista Windmill is nestled in the quiet and picturesque locality of Urzelina, in the municipality of Velas, on the stunning island of São Jorge, Azores. More specifically, it is situated in a privileged setting on Caminho Novo, in the area of Ribeira do Nabo. Its elevated position offers visitors a sweeping view of the surrounding green landscape and, frequently, unobstructed vistas of the vast Atlantic Ocean that embraces the island.

This location is set in a very tranquil rural environment, where the silence is only broken by the sounds of nature and the breeze, essential elements for the original operation of a windmill. The surroundings are marked by the typical Azorean natural beauty, with its lush vegetation and the gentle contours of the land.

Legacy and Architecture

As an authentic windmill, the Balista Windmill is a testament to the ingenious vernacular architecture and ancestral know-how of the Azores. These structures were vital for the subsistence of the island communities, allowing for the grinding of grains, such as corn and wheat, which formed the basis of the local diet for centuries.

Typically, Azorean windmills, as can be seen in this example, feature a robust structure of masonry, conical or cylindrical in shape, crowned by a rotating wooden cap. Its sails, once made of canvas, would catch the force of the wind, transforming it into energy to move the heavy stone millstones inside. Its presence is a visible link to the region's agricultural and industrial past.

Scenic and Historical Value

Beyond its utilitarian function, the Balista Windmill holds significant scenic value. Its silhouette, drawn against the horizon, makes it a distinctive feature of the Urzelina landscape, inviting contemplation and photography. The atmosphere of the place harks back to an era of greater dependence on natural resources and the resilience of its people.

Although windmills no longer perform their original function of grinding, their preservation is crucial to keep alive the memory of an important chapter in Azorean history and culture. The Balista Windmill, in this sense, is an emblem of tradition, offering a window into the practices and rhythms of life of past generations, set within a natural backdrop of serene beauty.

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