TRAVEL SPAIN

If you ever have the pleasure in visiting Galicia ( in the North Western part of Spain ) you will undoubtedly come across these curious but historic monuments.

These architectural and cultural treasures are called " Horreos " and where the larders used

by the ancestors of this area of Spain. Horreos are rectangular structures built on pillars to help protect the contents from predators whilst keeping the harvest dry. It has a door at one end in order there is a good flow of air .


They where invented for the storage of fruits and other harvested foods , fundamentally though corn , against the attack of rats and other rodents.

In Galicia there are two different types of "Horreo" , those constructed of wood and those built using local stone. The wooden ones providing a warm temperature in winter and be cooler in the summer months. Wooden Horreos where more fragile than the stone ones which made the later the more popular one to be used, thankfully many have survived the ravages of history and can be seen dotted all around the Galician countryside .

There are theories as to the origins of the Horreo the main one being they where invented by the Celts and adapted during the Roman occupation. The addition of the pillars are most definitely from the Roman era.

There are some 35 Horreos alone which can be seen around the beautiful area of Cambarro in the province town Pontevedra.

Horreos are as much a part of Galicia as its fine wine , beautiful scenery and succulent seafood

and a must see for all visitors to this picturesque part of Spain.

Gary