Windmills of Junqueiras

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Póvoa de Varzim > Aguçadoura

Location

Located in the village of Aguçadoura, in the municipality of Póvoa de Varzim, the Junqueiras Windmills stand on an elevated point of the landscape. Their strategic position, atop an old sand dune, offers an unobstructed view over the rural surroundings, inviting a moment of tranquility and observation.

This location is set in an open countryside environment, close to the coast, characteristic of the region, where one can feel the sea breeze that was once essential for their operation.

A Recovered Legacy

The Junqueiras Windmills represent a significant part of local history and memory. Built in the early 20th century by the Junqueira family, after acquiring the land in 1906, these windmills were for decades a fundamental pillar in grain milling, ensuring the production of flour that sustained the communities of Aguçadoura and Navais. In times of scarcity, their function became even more vital for the subsistence of the population.

Over time, with economic evolution and the advent of electricity, windmills fell into disuse, many of them abandoned and turning into ruins. The Junqueiras Windmills were no exception, losing their sails and their mechanism, with only the stone structures remaining.

The Art of Reconstruction

The dedication of the current generation of the Junqueira family was the driving force behind the reconstruction of these historic landmarks. With the aim of preserving the region's memory and cultural heritage, a meticulous restoration process was initiated. This work sought to respect traditional construction methods, while integrating material improvements to ensure the longevity of the structures.

The reconstruction relied on the expertise of master craftsmen, such as the carpenter Master Paulo Rodrigues and the stonemason Master Isac Morim, whose ancestral techniques were essential to bring new life to the windmills. The result is a testament to the persistence and commitment to keeping an important part of the local heritage alive, officially inaugurated in August 2022.

Two Structures, Multiple Purposes

Currently, the complex is composed of two windmills. One of them has been fully restored, including its complete milling mechanism, and can be activated for educational purposes. This structure allows visitors to observe the traditional process of grain milling, providing an authentic journey into the past and the operation of these ancient machines.

The second windmill, robustly re-erected from the ruins, does not possess the complete milling mechanism. Its restoration aims to offer a flexible and multi-purpose space, prepared to host thematic exhibitions or serve as a future interpretive center, enriching the experience of those who visit this point of interest.

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