Azenha Grande de São Brás dos Matos

Category: Civil Architecture > Moinho de água

District: Évora > Alandroal > São Brás dos Matos > Carrapatosa

Location

The Azenha Grande de São Brás dos Matos is situated in a predominantly rural environment, along the riverbank, in the Carrapatosa area. This location, in the parish of São Brás dos Matos and the municipality of Alandroal, in the heart of Alentejo, provides it with a serene and natural setting, characteristic of the region's riverside landscape.

A Legacy of Milling

This ancient building represents an important testimony to agricultural architecture and rural life of yesteryear. Its main function was milling, harnessing the power of water to transform cereals into flour. Its existence highlights the dependence of local communities on natural resources and ancestral techniques for food production, marking an essential phase in the economic and social history of the territory.

Architecture and Composition

The Azenha Grande is made up of an architectural complex that integrates the mill building itself and the house that served as the miller's residence. This dual composition reflects the functionality and daily life associated with the milling activity, where work and dwelling were side by side. Observing its structure allows for an understanding of the traditional engineering behind these hydraulic constructions.

Arab Presence and Historical Value

The existence of watermills, like this one, in the streams that cross the São Brás dos Matos region, is an indication of the ancient Arab presence in these lands. These watermills are testimonies to a cultural and technological heritage that shaped the local landscape and agricultural practices over the centuries. The recognition of its patrimonial importance led to its classification as a Property of Municipal Interest in 2004, highlighting its value for the identity and history of Alentejo.

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