Estombar Tide Mill

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Faro > Lagoa > Estômbar > Fontes

Location

The Estombar Tide Mill is located in the town of Estômbar, in the municipality of Lagoa, in an area known as Fontes. Its position is on the left bank of the Arade River, set in an environment of great serenity. Its proximity to the estuary and the springs that give this area its name contribute to a setting where the presence of water is a constant and striking element.

History and Ingenuity

This mill represents an important legacy of traditional Portuguese engineering, being one of the few surviving examples of the prosperous cereal grinding activity in the Arade River estuary. Its construction dates back to a time when dependence on natural cycles was fundamental for the sustenance of communities. Observing the Estombar Tide Mill provides an understanding of the human capacity to adapt to geographical conditions and to harness natural resources for local economic development.

The Mechanics of the Tide

The Estombar Tide Mill underwent a careful recovery process, preserving its original characteristics and operational capacity. The structure houses the complex grinding system, composed of two pairs of millstones, the heavy stones responsible for crushing the grains. Next to the mill, the miller's house is also preserved, offering an insight into the daily life of those who, in the past, operated this ingenious machinery, which drew its power solely from the ebb and flow of the estuary waters.

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