Windmill (ruins)

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Faro > Alcoutim > Alcoutim

Location

Situated in the vicinity of the locality of Alcoutim, this Windmill (ruins) occupies an elevated and strategic position, typical of structures of its function. Its location allows for a vast panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, which extends across valleys and hills characteristic of the Algarve hinterland. From this point, the gaze can reach the course of the Guadiana river and the border that marks the division with the neighboring country, offering a unique perspective on the region's natural and cross-border environment.

History and Purpose

The Windmill (ruins) of Alcoutim represents a vestige of the region's agricultural past, once vital for the subsistence of local communities. Its main function was the milling of cereals, such as wheat and barley, transforming them into flour essential for bread and other foods. These structures were the heart of the rural economy, depending directly on the force of the winds for their operation. Its ruins are a silent testimony to the evolution of production methods and human adaptation to available natural resources.

Architecture and Environment

Despite its ruined state, the structure of the Windmill still reveals the solidity of its construction. Visitors can observe the cylindrical walls made of stone, which formed the base of the building and supported the milling mechanism and the sails. The simplicity and robustness of its architecture were designed to withstand the elements and time. The natural surroundings of the site, often exposed to the constant breeze, complement the experience, allowing for a connection with the rural environment and the ingenuity that these windmills represented.

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