Moinhos do Mocho

Two weathered windmills stand before you. These are the Moinhos do Mocho. They once played a vital role in Lisbon’s history. The Moinhos do Mocho supplied flour to the city in the late 18th century. Imagine the bustling activity. Carts would have constantly arrived to collect their precious cargo. The windmills were repurposed in the late 1930s. They became part of the Monsanto Forest Park. An observatory was built using the windmills’ structures. A small stone stairway leads down from the Luneta dos Quartéis viewpoint. This trail winds through a verdant landscape. It eventually leads to the Moinhos do Mocho. The passage of time has taken its toll. The windmills are degraded. Sadly much of the original landscape is hidden. Overgrown trees and plants obscure the view. The panorama should show the south slope of Serra de Monsanto. It should stretch to the Tagus River. Parts of the Ajuda parish would also be visible. Despite the overgrown vegetation. The Moinhos do Mocho still offer tranquility. Wooden benches invite you to relax. Listen to the birdsong and breathe the fresh air. Today the Moinhos do Mocho are a peaceful retreat. Yet they stand as silent witnesses to Lisbon’s rich history. They remain a testament to the city’s past. Remember these quiet sentinels. They tell a story of industry and resilience. A story etched in the very stones of these ancient windmills.