Tidal Mill of Mourisca

Category: Civil Architecture > Tide Mill

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Sado > Bairro Cooperativa

Location

The Mourisca Tide Mill is located in a unique landscape, integrated into the vast Sado Estuary Nature Reserve. Situated in Herdade da Mourisca, next to the village of Sado, in the municipality of Setúbal, this mill is found in an area of salt marsh and old salt pans, areas that in the past also hosted rice cultivation. Its position offers a natural setting where one can appreciate the tranquility of the estuary and the diversity of wildlife, particularly birdwatching, for which the surroundings are especially conducive.

A Legacy of Traditional Engineering

This is one of the few tide mills that once existed in the Sado estuary. Its construction dates back, according to an inscription inside, to 1601, marking its presence in the landscape for over two and a half centuries. Designed for grinding cereals and producing flour, the mill was a vital piece for the local community, operating with up to eight millstones simultaneously until the mid-20th century. Its ingenious system harnessed the power of the tides: water filled a large reservoir at high tide and, when released, turned the wheels that powered the millstones, transforming grain into flour. After a period of abandonment and degradation, the mill underwent a careful restoration process, preserving its original structure.

Heritage and Natural Environment

Currently, the Mourisca Tide Mill serves as an interpretive center, acting as a space dedicated to environmental education and the valorization of the region's natural and cultural heritage. Here, it is possible to better understand the importance of traditional engineering and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature in the estuary. The preservation of this site contributes to the defense of cultural and scientific values, while promoting knowledge of the estuarine ecosystem and encouraging outdoor recreation in a balanced and beautiful environment.

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