The old Balsa Spinning Mill started working in the beginning of the second half of the XIX century. At that time, this was the first industrial spinning mill of Valongo and one of the first in the north of the country to use advanced technology. This is an important testimony of industrial archeology that used the river Ferreira water, partially diverted for this purpose. In the summer season, a steam engine for its operations had to be required. Near the factory there is the XIX century chapel dedicated to Santo António da Balsa offering its worship for the workers and residents of the place. In the surrounding area there is a granite bridge for the factory use, built with their own expenses. Downstream of this bridge it is located the bridge of Balsa, where there is a watercourse that serves the mill and the field with the same name. It is a bridge with patrimonial importance.
Location: Valongo
