Esteval Windmill

Category: Civil Architecture > Windmill

District: Setúbal > Montijo > Montijo > Urbanização do Moinho

Location and History

Located in Montijo, it was built in 1826 and was part of the Quinta do Moinho Velho, an old agricultural property. It represents an example of the traditional windmills of southern Portugal. It stopped working in the early 20th century, but was restored and reopened in 2000.

Architecture and Construction

Stone masonry structure, conical in shape, with thick walls that narrow towards the top. It has three floors:

- Ground floor: Stores the cereals.

- Intermediate floor: Housed the miller and part of the engine.

- Top floor: Location where the millstones and the grinding mechanism are located.

Wind Capture System

The rotating hood, made of wood and galvanized sheet metal, adjusts to the wind direction with the help of a winch. At the top, there is a weather vane that guides the miller. The triangular sails capture the force of the wind and are attached to a wooden axis.

Traditional Milling

Still in operation, the mill uses traditional methods to grind cereals. The grain is crushed between two stones, with adjustable height, and the result is collected in a reservoir.

Religious Tiles

Above the main door, there is a tile panel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Atalaia (Our Lady of Atalaia), facing the sanctuary of the same name, a cultural and religious reference of the region.

Heritage and Importance

It preserves the history and ancient milling techniques, being a living testimony to traditional agricultural practices. Its recovery was carried out respecting the original structure and maintaining its historical value.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moinho_de_Vento_do_Esteval_ou_Moinho_Velho