Petisco Mill (in the Place of Montedor)

Category: Civil Architecture > Mill

District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Carreço > Montedor

Location

The Moinho do Petisco (Petisco Windmill) is located in Lugar de Montedor, part of the locality of Carreço, in the municipality of Viana do Castelo. Situated at the top of this village, near the cliff overlooking the sea, this windmill enjoys an elevated position in the landscape. Its location allows for a particular alignment with other windmills in the area, visibly marking the coastal horizon of Minho.

Heritage and Architectural Value

Dating back to the 19th century, the Moinho do Petisco is a testament to the traditional windmill architecture of Northern Portugal. It is characterized by its circular plan, built of stone with irregular ashlar masonry, and by its conical wooden roof, often dark in color. Its two-story facades feature simple openings, such as straight-lintel doors and small rectangular windows. The structure is integrated into the Montedor windmill complex, classified as a Property of Public Interest, underscoring its importance in the region's cultural and historical heritage.

The Milling Legacy

This windmill, like its counterparts in Montedor, is part of what is known as the "bread cycle," a period when grain milling was a central activity for community life. Its presence recalls ancient methods of transforming grains into flour, essential for sustenance. Although its internal mechanisms may not be operational, the Moinho do Petisco remains a living symbol of a tradition that shaped the landscape and livelihood of the local people, offering a glimpse into the agricultural and artisanal past of Alto Minho.

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