Windmills

Category: Nature > Viewpoint

District: Coimbra > Penacova > Casal de Santo Amaro > Moinhos de Gavinho

Location

The Gavinho Windmills are located in the urbanization or area of the same name, in the locality of Casal de Santo Amaro, belonging to the municipality of Penacova. Situated at high altitude, on top of a mountain, these windmills offer an elevated and privileged viewpoint. From here, it is possible to appreciate a vast landscape, including the Buçaco mountain range to the north, and the Aveleira mountain range to the southwest. The environment is markedly rural, providing peaceful isolation from the village of Gavinhos and the town of Penacova, above which the complex of windmills rises.

Architecture and Heritage

The complex is composed of fourteen windmills, robust buildings of a simple circular plan, with a conical roof typically made of zinc sheet. Inside, each windmill is organized into two levels, entirely dedicated to the grinding machinery. The main facades, some facing north, others south, feature a rectangular door and an adjacent window. Although most structures retain their original form, it is important to note that some windmills are partially inactive, yet still contribute to the characteristic image of the place.

Memory and Tradition

In the past, these windmills were crucial mechanisms for the subsistence of rural communities. Their primary function was to transform cereals, such as corn, wheat, and rye, into flour, using the power of the wind. Today, their existence evokes an era of hard work and a deep connection to the land and its resources. Although their main role has changed, the presence of these windmills underscores the historical and cultural importance of milling activity in the region. Currently, it is known that among the fourteen, three are still in operating condition, but it is common for only one to be in operation, under the hand of a local miller, keeping this ancestral tradition alive.

An Inspiring Setting

The elevated location of the Gavinho Windmills provides a setting of singular beauty, inviting observation and photography. The atmosphere on site is one of serenity, with the wind shaping the landscape and recalling the force of nature that propelled these ancient structures. Next to the windmills, there is also an image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, an element that integrates into the landscape and adds an additional touch of symbolism to the complex, complementing the panoramic view and the contemplative atmosphere.

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