In Galicia, the far northwestern region of Spain, there are unique little buildings that are part of the culture of the land. The name for one of them is "horreo".
The horreo is a grain store. Every family had one in their garden. The status and wealth of the family was on display for all to see simply by the length of the horreo. The standard horreo length is about 12 feet.
Made of stone with ventilation slats, they sit raised above the ground on mushroom shaped pillars designed to keep the mice out.
Except in some of the very traditional farming communities the horreo is rarely used for its official purpose now. Mostly they are more like sheds, storing lawn furniture, gardening tools, and the like.
But they remain an important part of the Galician identity and a cultural icon of the region. An icon to be PROTECTED at all cost. Keeping them in good repair is important. A house with a well preserved horreo in its garden is a thing of pride.
Here in St. Louis, every trinket shop sells Gateway Arch paperweights. In Paris, you can buy an Eiffel Tower night light in any tourist gift shop. In Galicia it is a stone replica of the horreo.
The photo below was taken in Fisterre, the place where all of Europe once believed the world came to an end. Boats sailing out of the harbor of this town on the "coast of death" never came back. They simply dropped off the edge of our flat world.
As you can tell from the photo, even modern progress and high rise office buildings bow to the protection and preservation of the lowly horreo.
Comments (10)
Very interesting,Deborah. Great post and choice for this week's theme. Cool photo.
Posted by candi | April 25, 2009 2:12 AM
Posted on April 25, 2009 02:12
It has always bee progress versus preservation. In this instance, the two are well emphasized.
Posted by Lynn | April 25, 2009 9:18 AM
Posted on April 25, 2009 09:18
That is so interesting! And great photo to make the point! Terrific choice for The Hunt this week!
Posted by PastormacsAnn | April 25, 2009 9:23 AM
Posted on April 25, 2009 09:23
Wow, very interesting post. Thanks for sharing and a great photo.
Cece
Posted by Cece | April 25, 2009 11:11 AM
Posted on April 25, 2009 11:11
Interesting and informative take on the theme. Love the contrast of the horreo among a modern building and one that it is being constructed.
Posted by María I. | April 25, 2009 3:04 PM
Posted on April 25, 2009 15:04
Great picture - welcome back to the world of the blogging BTW . . .
Posted by Jerry | April 25, 2009 4:23 PM
Posted on April 25, 2009 16:23
I always learn new things on PH. The horreo next to the modern buildings is a very interesting shot. Blending of the old and new.
Stop by my photo hunt if you get a chance.
Posted by JyLnC | April 25, 2009 10:16 PM
Posted on April 25, 2009 22:16
Fascinating! I'm glad I stopped in and learned something. :-)
Posted by Cold Spaghetti | April 25, 2009 10:49 PM
Posted on April 25, 2009 22:49
I love your photo, Deborah! Such a contrast between the old and the new.
Posted by nancyhol | April 26, 2009 12:17 AM
Posted on April 26, 2009 00:17
Enjoyed reading about the horreo. Very interesting. Cool photo! Great choice for the theme this week.
Posted by girasoli | April 26, 2009 2:38 AM
Posted on April 26, 2009 02:38