Windmills came to the Azores during the 15th century Portuguese settlement. They were used to pump water and to perform various actions in support of local agriculture.
The windmills that are found on São Miguel island resemble the traditional Dutch-style windmills. These windmills have a cone-shaped stone base and a short, squat tower in the shape of a dome. The dome was designed to rotate to catch wind from different directions. This design feature, which is still in use in some of today’s wind turbines, also helped these old windmills to withstand harsh storms that brought catastrophic wind speeds.
Faja De Cima
Faja de Cima is located in the hills north of Ponta Delgada.
West end of the Village of Faja De Cima With a Cinder Cone in the Background
The village of Faja De Cima has one of the best restored Windmills on the island. You can visit the windmill, but there is no entry into the windmill. Therefore, there are no tours.
Located on the hill, the view from the windmill can be stunning; incorporating the surrounding area and the ocean.
Village of Faja De Cima with Atlantic Ocean in the Background
Village of Faja De Cima Church Tower with Atlantic Ocean in the Background
Aunt Faleira’s Windmill
The Windmill is at the boundary of the village and an agricultural area.
Windmill Tiled Plaque
Translation
“The date of construction of this windmill is not known, but it is known that it was in operation until the end of the 19th century, and then, during the 20th century, it remained in ruins.
At the initiative of the parish council and the support of ARDE, under the Leader II Program, its recovery was made possible.
Inaugurated on 01/12/2001″
Faja De Cima Windmill
Pico Vermelho
On the northwest side of the island there is another windmill. It’s still the same Dutch architectural style and fully restored. This is located in the village of Pico Vermelho.
This one is located right in the village. It faces the ocean. Since a storm had just passed two days ago, in this photo you can see how the windmill blades are secured.
Pico Vermelho Windmill
Very few windmills or watermills exist today. It is still possible to find the ruins of these old icons scattered around the island.