The Hórreos of Spain


(Photo: Adhara Caamaño)

This is a hórreo. It's a structure that can be found throughout western and southern Europe, but is most common in Spain. It's a building built on stone columns. Some have stood for 2,000 years.

Why did people build these architectural oddities?

(Photo: alamanos)

They were barns where farmers kept harvested crops. Here's one of a few hórreos still in use. Originally, a farmer would use only the top portion to store food. The stone columns kept crops out of the reach of many rodents.


(Photo: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez)

The origin of the hórreo is uncertain, but it dates back to at least Roman times. Many are well-preserved.


(Photo: juantiagues)

The hórreo is an architectural icon of Spain with an influence still seen in modern design.

You can learn more about hórreos and view more photos at Kuriositas.


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