what to visit

The village of Castelo was a land of watermills and mills for many years. Water flowed from the streams in large quantities, which led to the settlement of people who took advantage of the fertile soils and the construction of several watermills and mills to grind cereals that supplied the entire municipality of Mação. The situation continued until the middle of the 20th century when the emergence of other mechanical processes and the decrease in the flow of the river for public water supply put an end to this type of exploitation.

Today there are more than 20 watermills and mills on the Ribeira do Castelo, and with only one water line available, the community spirit was always present, with levadas being built between the buildings and the flow and strength of the available water being shared.

The trail starts next to the lagar de baixo, although it is no longer powered by water, it is still operated today as a lagar using the traditional method. The route continues along a track crossing the stream on an old levada next to the upper mill.

Continuing along the path, we pass two roller mills and a set of tanks that we cross ov(...)

Read more