The Medieval Noria: The Moorish Waterwheel of Tomar
The Waterwheel in Tomar: A Testament to Ingenious Medieval Engineering
The city of Tomar, in central Portugal, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and ties to the Knights Templar. Among its many historical treasures, the Waterwheel of Tomar stands out as a remarkable example of medieval engineering that reflects the city's innovation, agricultural heritage, and the city’s forefathers’ ingenuity. This waterwheel, part of an extensive irrigation system along the Nabão River, is a symbol of a bygone era when practical engineering met aesthetic beauty and one that continues to draw visitors from around the world.
This article delves into the history, purpose, and legacy of the waterwheel system in Tomar, which played a vital role in the city’s development during the medieval period. The Nabão River, which flows through the heart of Tomar, was central to these efforts. The Templars and those that followed them recognised its potential not only as a source of water for irrigation and daily use but also as a means of powering mills and other mechanical devices. It was during this period that waterwheels, also known as noras or norias, were constructed along the riverbanks to harness its flow.
Purpose of the Waterwheel
The waterwheel in Tomar, like many others in medieval Europe, served multiple purposes, including:
Irrigation: The waterwheel was primarily used to lift water from the Nabão River to irrigate nearby agricultural fields. This ensured a steady supply of water for crops, even during dry seasons, making Tomar a self-sufficient settlement.
Grinding Grain: Some waterwheels were connected to millstones for grinding grain into flour, which was essential for feeding the local population and sustaining the Templars' garrisons.
Flood Control and Water Management: By managing the flow of the Nabão River, the waterwheel and accompanying infrastructure helped regulate water levels and reduced the risk of flooding in the area.
Structure and Function
The waterwheel, also known as a noria, was typically a vertical wheel made of wood or iron, with attached buckets or clay pots that lifted water as the wheel rotated. The basic design involved the following components:
Buckets (or Clay Jars): These were attached to the rim of the wheel and scooped water as the wheel turned.
Axle and Support: The wheel was mounted on an axle supported by wooden or stone pillars.
Flow Mechanism: The force of the flowing river caused the wheel to turn, lifting water from the river into a higher channel or reservoir. The elevated water could then be redirected through irrigation canals to farmland or used directly for household needs.
This simple yet effective design made it possible to irrigate fields over a wide area without relying solely on manual labour.
Legacy of the Waterwheel
Although the original Templar-era waterwheels no longer exist in their medieval form, the tradition of waterwheels and their legacy is preserved in Tomar. One waterwheel has been restored and reconstructed to provide insight into how they worked. This waterwheel remains an iconic feature of the Nabão River, blending with the natural and historical beauty of the city.
Symbol of Sustainability: The waterwheel in Tomar is a symbol of sustainable resource management. It exemplifies how the Templars leveraged the natural environment to ensure the prosperity of their settlement taking influence from the Middle East.
Tourist Attraction: Modern visitors can see the restored waterwheel in Tomar. The area near the Nabão River and Mouchão Park is particularly famous for its scenic views, where the reconstructed waterwheel evokes the ingenuity of the past under the shadow of the castle.
Cultural Significance: The waterwheel represents the deep connection between Tomar's natural resources and its historical development. It highlights the Templars’ role as not just warriors but also builders and innovators.
Conclusion
The waterwheels of Tomar are a testament to the ingenuity and vision of the city’s developers and their commitment to creating sustainable and thriving communities. Though simple in design, these devices played a crucial role in the agricultural and economic success of medieval Tomar. Today, they stand as historical relics and symbols of the city’s enduring connection to its Templar roots.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an engineering admirer, or simply a traveller looking for beauty and inspiration, the waterwheels of Tomar and their tranquil setting along the Nabão River are well worth exploring.