Tide mill

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Setúbal > Montijo > Montijo > Bairro dos Pescadores

Location

The Tide Mill is located in the city of Montijo, strategically situated on the riverfront, specifically in the Fishermen's Quarter. This privileged location offers a serene environment and extensive views over the Tagus River estuary, inviting for a peaceful stroll along the water and allowing observation of the natural surroundings.

Historical Memory

With roots dating back at least to the 17th century, this mill is a guardian of local memory. A cross of the Order of Santiago, visible on the entrance door, points to an even older history, suggesting its origin could be from the 13th or 14th centuries. For centuries, the mill was crucial for the community, grinding cereals and deeply connecting agricultural life to the dynamics of the Tagus tides. After ceasing its activity in the second half of the 20th century, the mill was acquired and restored by the municipality in 2005 and 2006, ensuring its preservation as an icon of Montijo's heritage.

The Tide Engineering

This example is a remarkable testament to traditional engineering, which harnessed the ebb and flow of the Tagus River tides to generate energy. The system is based on a basin, a reservoir where high tide water was accumulated through sluice gates. At low tide, when the internal mechanisms were exposed, the retained water was forcefully released, activating the millstones and transforming cereals into flour. It stands out for having maintained its primitive mechanisms, a rarity in the Tagus estuary that resisted the industrializing innovations of the 19th century.

Architecture and Symbolism

The mill's architecture is simple and functional, reflecting its utility throughout time. The building, with its clear facades, sits on a robust base where arches open, allowing water passage. Six arched openings, facing the river, are distinctive elements that reveal its original function. Inside, it is possible to observe the space where the millstones operated, providing a perspective on the milling process. The mill represents not only an architectural piece but also the symbol of an enduring relationship between the community of Montijo and its river.

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