Often referred to as the Golden Island or Ilha Dourada, Porto Santo is undergoing a revival courtesy of a breakthrough European Project.
Focusing on the island’s windmills and old public fountains; emblematic symbols of the island’s cultural identity. Neglected for far too long, once restored, these cultural items will provide residents and visitors with a snapshot of the island’s past.
Home to the famous navigator Christopher Columbus, the island originally played an important role in Madeira’s grain route which led to the construction of the windmills in the 19th century.
With the help of funding, the project will restore the windmills and more than a dozen public fountains, water basins, and drinking troughs. These water sources, once vital to the local population will now be restored to their former glory.
The total cost of the project is approximately €340,840, with the European Union contributing 85% of the funds, further demonstrating its commitment to preserving Europe’s cultural heritage. The municipality of Porto Santo funded the remaining 15%.
As such, school children who have visited the already restored windmills were said to be amazed to learn that the mills were used to grind cereal and how the water fountains were constructed to solve the island’s water supply.
The dismantled mills are being restored by Madeiran craftspeople who are endeavouring to restore them in accordance with tradition. Using modern conservation techniques, the new mills should last as a permanent reminder to future generations of how important Porto Santo’s history and cultural heritage is to the archipelago.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
Original article released by Euronews.com
