Leitão's Mill

Category: Civil Architecture > Moinho de Vento

District: Faro > Albufeira > Paderne

Location:

Perched atop Leitão hill, this windmill dominates a vast expanse of the Algarve's Barrocal region. Facing the hillside, a panorama unfolds, distinguishing the sparkle of the Atlantic to the South and the gentle slopes of the Algarve mountains to the North.

Access is via a dirt track that winds through cork oaks and strawberry trees, in a calm environment little altered by urban presence. The mill stands isolated, allowing one to capture the uniqueness of the surrounding rural landscape.

Surrounding Environment:

In the vicinity, the stony terrain and typical vegetation of the Algarve countryside create an almost timeless setting. The silence is broken only by the occasional creak of the sails, moved by the breeze descending from the mountains.

The contrast between the solidity of the construction and the lightness of the reflective sail blades emphasizes the rustic character of the place. The late afternoon light casts long shadows, highlighting the gentle relief of the terrain.

Heritage and Operation:

Built from stone, sand, and lime, the mill dates back to times when it was the primary means of transforming cereals into flour. Its cylindrical structure maintains the capelo (the rotating upper part) and the four wooden sails, still subject to periodic maintenance to preserve the mechanism.

On guided tours, it is possible to observe the interior of the mill, where the stone millstones fit perfectly, and the traditional grinding principle is proven by the slow movement of the main shaft. The host shares details about the different sail positions, used to communicate with other communities on neighboring hills.

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