Core of the Corroios Tide Mill

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Setúbal > Seixal > Corroios > Quinta do Brasileiro

Location

The Corroios Tide Mill Centre is peacefully situated at Quinta do Brasileiro, in Corroios, in the municipality of Seixal, district of Setúbal. Its prime location by the Tagus estuary offers a natural and tranquil environment, inviting visitors to take walks and connect with the riverside landscape.

A Historical Legacy

This tide mill, dating back to 1403, is one of the oldest and most remarkable structures of its kind in the Tagus estuary. Its early history is intrinsically linked to the Carmo Convent, founded by D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, although its construction was not directly ordered by him. The recognition of its invaluable heritage value culminated in its classification as a Property of Public Interest in 1984.

Evolution and Resilience

Throughout the centuries, the mill adapted to different realities and challenges. In the 18th century, after the damage caused by the 1755 earthquake, it underwent significant expansion works, demonstrating its capacity for resilience. Later, in the 20th century, in addition to its traditional function of milling cereals, it was also used for a more unusual purpose: rice husking, attesting to its functional versatility over time.

The Rebirth of a Heritage Site

Its preservation for future generations was secured in 1980, when the Seixal Municipal Council acquired the mill. After a careful and extensive restoration process, this remarkable building was reopened to the public, becoming part of the Municipal Ecomuseum. This initiative made it possible to safeguard an important testament to local engineering, technology, and economy.

The Mill Experience

A visit to the Corroios Tide Mill Centre provides a unique opportunity to understand the ingenious workings of a tide mill. As one of the few that remains operational today, it allows visitors to observe the cereal milling process up close and to grasp the vital importance these structures had for the subsistence of riverside communities throughout many centuries of history.

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

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