Castro Verde Windmill

Category: Civil Architecture > Mill

District: Beja > Castro Verde > Castro Verde

Location

The Castro Verde Windmill stands in the town of Castro Verde, right in the Largo da Feira (Fair Square). Its position grants it a prominent role in the town's urban landscape, also offering a perspective on the surrounding rural area, typically Alentejan, with its open fields stretching to the horizon.

Historical Memory

This mill was erected in the first half of the 20th century, at a time when structures like it were vital for rural communities. Its primary function was the milling of cereals, transforming grains into flour and directly contributing to the sustenance of local inhabitants. The mill was in full operation until the 1940s, when it ceased its operations, following the path of many other traditional mills.

A Renewed Legacy

In 2003, the Castro Verde Windmill underwent an important restoration intervention, promoted by the Municipal Council. This project aimed to preserve its original structure and, in particular, restore the internal milling mechanisms, which allow for an understanding of its operation. Currently, this space functions as an interpretation center, a museum core, inviting visitors to observe its interior and comprehend the fundamental role that windmills played in the life and economy of the region. It is a testament to the agricultural heritage and traditions of the Baixo Alentejo.

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