Windmill

Category: Civil Architecture > Mill

District: Coimbra > Figueira da Foz > Moinhos da Gândara > Quinta dos Vigários

Location

The Windmill is located in the Quinta dos Vigários urbanization, in the locality of Moinhos da Gândara, belonging to the municipality of Figueira da Foz. Its elevated position offers a privileged perspective of the surroundings, encompassing a wide view of the landscape. From here, it is possible to contemplate the Mondego River estuary, extending to the city of Figueira da Foz, which provides a remarkable panorama and an understanding of the local geography.

Milling Heritage

This windmill was built on a site with historical significance for milling, where, over the centuries, other structures powered by wind force existed. Although it is a more recent construction, its presence symbolizes the continuity of a secular tradition in the region. Its maintenance reflects the commitment to preserving the molinological heritage, connecting visitors to the rural past and the importance of cereals in the life of local communities.

Traditional Operation

The mill's structure was designed to illustrate the authentic operation of a windmill. When conditions allow, its sails are set, and it is possible to observe the mechanism in action, with the wind transforming grain into flour. This demonstration invites people to immerse themselves in ancestral milling techniques, offering an understanding of the engineering and the significance these monuments held in the daily lives of past generations.

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