Old Woman's Head Windmill

Category: Civil Architecture > Mill

District: Leiria > Batalha > São Mamede > Demó

Location:

It stands on a clear elevation in the Demó area, in the parish of São Mamede, Batalha municipality. Enveloped by a carpet of cork oaks and pine trees, it offers a rustic and serene setting.

The adjacent terrain is dry and slightly uneven, with low vegetation typical of drought-resistant countryside, where the windmill stands out against the intense blue of the sky.

Origin and Historical Value:

This windmill possibly dates from the 19th century and was part of a network of structures dedicated to grinding cereals in the region. Its presence recalls the importance of traditional agriculture in Batalha and the ingenious adaptation to local wind currents.

Although no longer active, it retains its original design, bearing witness to popular manufacturing and construction methods that combined local stone and manual techniques.

Aesthetics and Natural Environment:

With a circular plan, its masonry body displays ochre tones and splashes of lichens. The conical metal roof, with its gently oxidized wind cowl, contrasts with the stone cladding.

The simple door, topped by a triangular lintel, invites a closer look: the play of shadows on the dry ground and the pine trees in the background compose a setting inviting moments of pause and contemplation.

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