Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Coimbra > Figueira da Foz > Moinhos da Gândara > Quinta dos Vigários
The Molinological Complex of Moinhos da Gândara is located in the village of Moinhos da Gândara, belonging to the municipality of Figueira da Foz. This place is specifically located at Quinta dos Vigários, in a rural and isolated setting.
The complex is set within a vast agricultural area, which offers a tranquil environment. Its proximity to a picnic area and a children's playground makes it inviting for those seeking an outdoor space to relax and enjoy the natural landscape.
This cultural and pedagogical space offers an opportunity to understand the long history of mills in the region, with references dating back to the 10th century. It is possible to discover how these structures developed over time and their importance to local communities.
The complex invites a journey through time, where one can learn about the context of the existence of watermills in the territory and the evolution of milling processes. Here, there is an effort to preserve the know-how of ancient millers and the people of the parish, rescuing from oblivion the mills and the fundamental role they played in the bread cycle.
The Molinological Complex of Moinhos da Gândara is a remarkable collection of recovered heritage. It resulted from the valorization of two water milling structures, a rodízio and an azenha, which operated on the same water line. These systems underwent recovery, as well as movable heritage elements found in the ruins, allowing the original spaces to be reconstituted.
In addition to the watermills, the complex covers an agricultural area of about eight thousand square meters, where one can also find a windmill, a traditional threshing floor, and an oven. This diversity of elements offers a comprehensive overview of ancient milling practices and associated rural life, constituting an authentic living museum of local heritage.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.22959781651119, -8.768618969698737
Coordinates DMS: 40°13'46.6"N 08°46'7.0"W