Dukes' Mill

Category: Civil Architecture > Mill

District: Santarém > Torres Novas > Torres Novas > Salvador

Location:

The Dukes' Mill is located in Torres Novas, in the Salvador area. It is set within the town's urban landscape, next to Almonda Park, benefiting from its proximity to the river of the same name. Its location allows for easy access and is integrated into a space that invites visitors to discover the history and nature of Torres Novas.

A Glimpse into the Industrial Past:

This site in Torres Novas offers a unique perspective on the productive activities of previous eras. At the Dukes' Mill, remains of two important proto-industrial complexes have been uncovered: an olive oil press and a grain mill. These archaeological findings are crucial for understanding how the local community processed its agricultural products, revealing methods and technologies used centuries ago.

Ancient Engineering and Discoveries:

The uniqueness of the Dukes' Mill lies in the structures that have come to light, revealing details about ancient engineering. In the olive oil press, the elements that made up the lever presses are visible. In the grain mill, the "negatives" of the original machinery stand out and, notably, a cryptoporticus structure. The latter, essential for managing the water flow that powered the mill, illustrates the intelligence and sophistication of the hydraulic techniques developed. The work carried out on site aims to preserve and make understandable these important testaments to human labor and ancestral technology, including the rehabilitation of elements such as the "tarambola," a crucial component of the mill's mechanism.

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