Traditional Watermill

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Madeira > Santana > São Jorge > Terra do Mendes

Location

The Traditional Water Mill is located in the peaceful area of Terra do Mendes, part of the parish of São Jorge, which belongs to the municipality of Santana. The place offers a serene atmosphere, inviting an experience that allows visitors to appreciate the Madeiran rural landscape and the authenticity of local life, far from the hustle and bustle of large urban areas.

A Living Legacy

This mill is a cultural and historical landmark of great relevance on the island of Madeira, standing out as the only one in operation. It offers an authentic glimpse into how, over approximately three hundred years, local communities harnessed the power of water for grinding cereals, a vital process for their subsistence. It is a tangible testament to the traditions and ingenuity of past generations, revealing the deep connection between humans and nature.

The Art of Artisan Milling

Since a careful restoration completed in the year 2000, the mill has maintained its original function. Inside, it continues to transform cereals such as wheat, corn, barley, and rye into flour, employing traditional methods dating back to the past. A large portion of the grains used comes from the agricultural terraces that characterize the surrounding landscape of São Jorge, highlighting the mill's deep connection to local agricultural production. Visitors have the opportunity to observe this manual and centuries-old process up close.

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