Windmill of Corte de Gafo

Category: Civil Architecture > Mill

District: Beja > Mértola > Mértola > Corte Gafo de Cima

Location

The Corte de Gafo Windmill stands in the serene locality of Corte Gafo de Cima, belonging to the municipality of Mértola, in the district of Beja. Its position, typical of these structures, offers a privileged perspective over the surrounding Alentejo landscape, characterized by undulating terrain and a tranquility that invites observation of nature.

Immersed in the rural environment of Baixo Alentejo, this location allows visitors to experience the characteristic quietude and vastness of the region, with the windmill punctuating the horizon, standing out in the country landscape.

Testament to an Agricultural Past

This windmill represents a significant element of the rural heritage of Mértola and the Alentejo, reflecting the traditional agricultural practices that shaped the lives of local communities. Erected to harness wind power, its primary function was the milling of cereals, transforming them into flour, an essential food for the subsistence of the populations.

Its presence in Corte Gafo de Cima evokes the times when life depended directly on the cycle of harvests and human ingenuity to process the land's bounty. It is a symbol of the resilience and ingenuity of the people who once inhabited these areas.

Architecture and Setting

The Corte de Gafo Windmill boasts a robust and functional architecture, typical of Alentejo windmills. Its structure, usually cylindrical and built in masonry, culminates in a conical roof that once housed the machinery and allowed the orientation of the sails according to the wind's direction. Although its current state may vary, its shape preserves the memory of its original function.

The simplicity of its lines and its integration into the surrounding landscape give it an intrinsic beauty, highlighting the harmony between human construction and the natural environment. It is a visual landmark that enriches the rural panorama, offering an authentic glimpse into the region's popular architectural legacy.

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