Figueira River Watermill

Category: Civil Architecture > Mill

District: Setúbal > Santiago do Cacém > Santiago do Cacém

Location:

The Figueira River Watermill is located in a serene and rural landscape, integrated into the municipality of Santiago do Cacém. Situated on the banks of a local watercourse, its isolated position provides an environment of tranquility, where the presence of nature is dominant. It is a place that invites observation of the natural surroundings, characterized by the flora and fauna typical of the Alentejo region.

Legacy and Structure:

This watermill is a testament to the former cereal milling activity, fundamental to the rural communities of the Alentejo. Its construction, possibly dating back to the 18th or 19th centuries, reflects the traditional engineering of the time. It features a simple rectangular plan, with walls built of rustic stone, often mixed, and two-pitched roofs that blend harmoniously into the landscape. Elements such as the openings with brick frames give it a characteristic architectural touch.

In addition to the main structure of the mill, which housed the grinding mechanism, the complex typically included support buildings, such as a miller's house and a stable. These complementary buildings, with their simple and functional architecture, served the daily needs of those who worked and lived there, highlighting the self-sufficient and productive nature of the complex.

Natural Environment:

The surroundings of the Figueira River Watermill are rich in biodiversity, typical of the cork oak woodland (montado) and Mediterranean vegetation. Species such as holm oak and rockrose predominate, painting the landscape with their seasonal colours and aromas. Near the river, it is possible to observe a diversity of wildlife, from mammals like wild boar and fox, to birds of prey and various species of amphibians and reptiles in the watercourses. This natural setting invites moments of contemplation and direct contact with the Alentejo nature.

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