Mourisca Tide Mill
The Moinho de Maré da Mourisca, located in Herdade da Mourisca (Natural Reserve of the Sado Estuary), is one of the four known tidal mills in the Sado Estuary and is located in a privileged area for birdwatching.
It is a structure with 280 m”, prepared for the simultaneous operation of eight grinding wheels, which were active until the 50s.
After years of neglect, it was acquired by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Biodiversity, which began its reconstruction and recovery.
In 2012, through the signing of a co-management protocol, the Municipality of Setúbal also became responsible for the dynamization of the mill and the surrounding area.
Inserted in the heart of the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, in an area of marsh and salt marshes and surrounded by land formerly used for rice cultivation, it served the community in the important cereal milling industry. A tombstone inside marks the date 1601, which is presumed to date back to the year of construction.
The Moinho de Maré da Mourisca is built next to a huge dam (boiler) that fills up until high tide, when the communication gate between it and the river is closed, the dams are opened, the dammed water is released. , being conducted through the channels that connect the caldera to the river.
The mechanism has six grinding wheels mounted on a wooden platform, under which a system of sprockets is driven. The water with great force causes the caster to rotate and activate this system, which in turn, connected to the millstone, causes it to start grinding the cereal grains.
Moinho da Mourisca has an invaluable heritage value in the field of traditional engineering, and is currently preserved as an interpretive center, ensuring the development of activities compatible with the balance of the estuarine ecosystem, the correct exploitation of resources, the defense of cultural values. or science, as well as the promotion of outdoor recreation.
At Moinho de Maré da Mourisca, a wide range of activities is carried out throughout the year:
- Guided visits to the Sala das Mós (museum center) and the entire structure
- Walking tours (Mourisca and Montado trails)
- bird watching
- Boat trips on the Sado estuary
- Workshops and thematic exhibitions
- Fairs and themed events
- Regional Exhibitions
- Pedagogical workshops
- Tasting of oysters and regional products
Herdade da Mourisca
T.: 265 783 090 | 914 162 354
gatur.moinho@mun-setubal.pt
GPS location coordinates: 38o31´43.32″N8048´22.09″W
