Filmed between 2005 and 2006, the documentary follows the reconstruction of the White Windmill of Cachopo, located in the hills of Tavira. It captures the key moments of the restoration process and features the various individuals involved throughout.
Windmills were once a defining feature of the landscape and daily life in the Algarve’s uplands. Their construction, upkeep, and use incorporated age-old knowledge and practices that, in recent times, have fallen into disuse.
The restoration of the White Windmill of Cachopo involved a complete reconstruction of the pre-existing structure, which had fallen into ruin. No trace remained of the milling mechanism or the roof.
The official reopening took place on April 7, 2009, National Windmills Day, marking the end of a long restoration process that saw different people contribute at different stages.
CONSTRUCTION AND MAIN CHARACTERS
The workers who initially demolished the remains of the old mill and began laying the foundation for the new one were eventually replaced by a local master builder with lifelong knowledge and hands-on experience in traditional construction methods using local materials. Xavier played a decisive role in applying the techniques typical of the region during the restoration and rebuilding of the Cachopo windmill.
Originally from Fonte do Corcho, Master Xavier had deep knowledge of schist, from its extraction to its many applications. This extended to windmill construction as well as paving and dry-stone wall building. At the same time, he also contributed to a village restoration project in Cachopo, not far from the White Windmill.
Although he was not directly involved in the restoration, Custódio Campos had worked for many years as the miller there. He was a frequent visitor during the entire reconstruction and was present at the reopening. The sails were raised, the shaft and millstones set in motion again, and the mill came back to life.
MAINTENANCE AND USE OF THE WINDMILL
A traditional straw-thatched roof was chosen for the top of the mill. At the time, there was hope that its upkeep could be ensured in the future. Unfortunately, that did not happen.
Years later, the roof collapsed and rain began to fall inside the mill. There were serious concerns about the structure’s integrity. Thankfully, repairs were eventually carried out.
The best form of maintenance would have been to keep the windmill in active use—but, as we all know, times have changed.
As part of a broader strategy to revitalize the Algarve’s cultural landscape, the restoration of the White Windmill of Cachopo was promoted by the Municipality of Tavira and implemented by the Technical Support Office for the Villages of the Eastern Algarve (GTAA), with funding from the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Algarve).
