Montedor Windmills

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Carreço

Location:

The Montedor Windmills are located in the locality of Carreço, in the municipality of Viana do Castelo. This privileged location, close to the coast, benefits from natural wind exposure and offers visitors a wide and unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean, harmoniously integrated into the Minho coastal landscape.

Heritage and Architecture:

This complex consists of two windmills, known as Moinho de Cima (Upper Mill) and Moinho do Marinheiro (Sailor's Mill). Both were built during the 19th century and are distinguished by their circular two-story structure. The cylindrical shape of these buildings was designed to allow their roofs to rotate, ensuring that the sails were always oriented in the best position to harness the wind's force. In 1978, these windmills were officially classified as a Property of Public Interest, an acknowledgment of their historical and cultural significance.

The Uniqueness of the Sails:

While the Moinho de Cima featured traditional cloth sails, the Moinho do Marinheiro was distinguished by its use of trapezoidal wooden sails. These unique sails functioned as a type of grille, where boards could be added or removed according to wind intensity. This ingenious system allowed for control over the mill's rotation, adapting it to atmospheric conditions and optimizing the grain milling process.

Operational Memory:

Currently, one of the windmills is fully operational, providing visitors with an understanding of its original functioning and mechanism. This operational capability contributes to preserving the memory of a once-essential activity, offering an authentic perspective on ancient milling techniques and keeping alive the legacy of these remarkable rural monuments.

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