Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Faro > Vila Real de Santo António > Vila Nova de Cacela > Nora
The Lime Kiln is located in the village of Nora, part of the picturesque parish of Vila Nova de Cacela, within the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António. It is situated in the Algarve region, an area characterized by its gentle landscapes and proximity to the eastern coast. Its location invites a tranquil pause, providing an environment that allows for contemplation of the rural surroundings, typical of this part of the Algarve.
This Lime Kiln is a remarkable structure dating back to an era when quicklime production was a fundamental industry for the local and regional economy. Lime, obtained by firing limestone at high temperatures, was an indispensable material in civil construction, used in the preparation of mortars and plasters for buildings, from the humblest houses to larger constructions. It symbolizes an important stage in the region's development, where the utilization of natural resources and the mastery of the workers, known as calcinadores, were the foundation of prosperity.
The architecture of the Lime Kiln is a testament to popular engineering and functionality adapted to its purpose. Generally constructed with a robust stone or brick structure, it features a conical or cylindrical shape, designed to withstand the intense heat generated during the calcination process. One can observe its "mouth" or furnace, through which wood was introduced to fuel the fire, and the chamber where the limestone was transformed into lime. Its solidity and design reflect centuries of knowledge and practice in the art of producing this vital binder.
Visiting the Lime Kiln offers a unique opportunity to understand the traditional techniques and the life of a craft that shaped the landscapes and constructions of the Algarve. The site preserves the memory of arduous, yet essential, work that contributed to the region's architectural identity. It is a point of interest that invites reflection on human ingenuity and the importance of artisanal industries in the past, allowing visitors a tangible connection with the cultural heritage and industrial history of the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.1754178,-7.5689874
Coordinates DMS: 37°10'31.5"N 07°34'8.4"W
Weather Vila Nova de Cacela
On-duty Pharmacy Vila Nova de Cacela
