Mill and olive press - Quinta do Cruzeiro or Casa dos Silvas

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Vila Real > Boticas > Covas do Barroso > Campos

Location

Situated in the serene locality of Covas do Barroso, in the municipality of Boticas, district of Vila Real, this location is immersed in the characteristic landscape of the Barroso region. Its location in Campos, an area within Covas do Barroso, allows visitors to experience the authenticity of a Transmontane village, marked by a rural and mountainous setting. The atmosphere here is one of tranquility, offering a glimpse into traditional life and harmony with the surrounding nature.

Rural and Historical Heritage

The Mill and Olive Oil Press of Quinta do Cruzeiro, also known as Casa dos Silvas, constitutes a remarkable testament to the agricultural past and rural ingenuity. This complex, carefully preserved, reflects the vital importance of cereal milling and olive oil extraction for the communities of Barroso. Its existence underscores the self-sufficiency and agricultural practices that shaped local life and economy over centuries.

The structure of the olive oil press, with its traditional press, and the mill, with its grinding mechanisms, offer an authentic perspective on ancient production processes. These spaces, now accessible, allow for an understanding of the effort and technique involved in transforming harvests into essential goods for the sustenance and survival of rural populations.

Architecture and Preservation

The architecture of this complex is representative of the region's traditional construction, with predominant use of granite stone, a robust and abundant material in the area. Its massive walls and structure adapted to its function reveal the constructive wisdom of ancestors. The Mill and Olive Oil Press, Quinta do Cruzeiro or Casa dos Silvas stands out for its preservation, maintaining the original elements that tell the story of its use. Its conservation allows current generations to closely observe the tools and facilities that were crucial for rural life.

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