Singing Windmills and Wind Turbines

Fifty years ago it would have been windmills that dominated the hills, when more than 3,000 were still in working use across Portugal. These days it is the wind turbines. Both harness the energy of the wind, but it is the windmills which evoke the senses. Turbines are just too clinical for me. Although I admit their ‘humming’ is evocative and I welcome the impact they have on the world. Portugal is one of the shining lights in Europe for renewable energy, with more than 50% of its power coming from renewable sources. I just wish their windmills were as valued, instead they are fast disappearing. There is 18months difference between the two photographs below. Can you spot what has changed?!

This time last year we felt it wouldn’t take much effort to bring the mill at Corte das Donas back into working order. This year, with the loss of the roof we were left with the impression of abandonment. It won’t be long before the machinery collapses too.

We decided we wouldn’t risk going inside on this visit, but if would like to see inside visit my 2017 post and/or Robert’s. And should you wish to experience the beauty of a Portuguese windmill in working order, check out this second one by Robert which includes two wonderful films. There are restored windmills in Portugal including ones you can stay in for a holiday or look around but from what I have gathered there are very few which are working mills and even fewer which are still singing.

Without its roof

Yes I did say singing windmills! Apparently mills in the south west of Portugal once sang thanks to the placement of ‘sound jars’ to the bars of the sails. The reason was part aesthetic (like the bells attached to the goats and sheep) and part practical. The varying sounds informing the miller of how well his mill was working, and also alerting him to changes in the weather. Intrigued? So am I! I think I am going to have to make sure we are here for the open mills festival next year, and hope that one of the mills which opens is a singing one. In the meanwhile here are thirty seconds of a Portuguese windmill singing (and creaking).

Credit: windmühle portugal” by uli wahl. Released: 2009. Genre: eolian Music from the Wind Musik website.

Author: BeckyB

It had been a good life walking, cooking, photographing, volunteering, blogging, and best of all spending time with MrB, family, & friends. Sadly it is no longer what it was, as suddenly and unexpectedly I became a widow.

44 thoughts

  1. Windmills from an earlier era are important to learning. It amazes me that the huge companies that build the new turbines wouldn’t step up and offer to restore a number of these. I know there must be some really wealthy souls that could do the same.Here in the northeast U.S. some use the services of the Amish to save money on certain projects. I wonder if there are a group similar (or form one) that could do the same there. I would contribute whatever possible to help with restoration of such significance. B. Rodeheaver

    1. What a brilliant suggestion about the energy companies. Unfortunately however Portugal doesn’t have a culture for restoration projects like which you suggest though. It is a poor country compared to other western European states.

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  5. Lovely images and even more eerie wind music. I now have the word eolian (alternate spelling aeolian) to add to my ‘useful words list’ when trying to unload vowels in Scrabble or Words With Friends. Thank you.

    1. Oh I’m so glad you liked the post and the sound of wind music. It is eeerie isn’t it.

      And love the fact you have another word for Scrabble games, I just wish I could remember them when playing!!!

  6. What a pity that they’re decaying so quickly, they would be so beautiful if they were restored, but I suppose it would cost too much. The singing sound is remarkable and ancient.

  7. It is sad to see the demise of windmills. They were a part of the fantasy when growing up as there weren’t windmills in my part of Australia. The singing is amazing. Thanks for this bit of Portugal you have taken me to Becky 😀

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