The Vilarinho da Castanheira complex of watermills are structures framed in a natural environment and equipped with leisure facilities. At the end of the nineteenth century, the mill structures of Ribeiro do Couto are mentioned by Abbot Miragaia in the book “Portugal Antigo e Moderno” (Ancient and Modern Portugal) as one of the sites belonging to the Parish of Vilarinho da Castanheira, where there were three dwellings. Throughout the twentieth century, this place grew in importance and number of inhabitants up to the point where it became known locally as “the village of mills”. Along the Ribeiro do Couto, traditional watermill structures can be seen with their waterways and dams and several other functional buildings such as ovens to bake bread, barns, lofts and houses. All of this well-preserved ensemble bears witness to the traditional modus-vivendis of this population at the end of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century.
Location: Carrazeda de Ansiães
