Horreo and cruceiro in Galicia BW is a photograph by RicardMN Photography which was uploaded on January 8th, 2014.
Horreo and cruceiro in Galicia BW
Horreo (stilt granary) and cruceiro (stone crucifix) in Combarro, Galicia, Spain.... more
Title
Horreo and cruceiro in Galicia BW
Artist
RicardMN Photography
Medium
Photograph
Description
Horreo (stilt granary) and cruceiro (stone crucifix) in Combarro, Galicia, Spain.
An horreo is a typical granary from the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (mainly Galicia, Asturias and Northern Portugal), built in wood or stone, raised from the ground by pillars (pegollos in Asturian, esteos in Galician, abearriak in Basque) ending in flat staddle stones (vira-ratos in Galician, mueles or tornarratas in Asturian, or zubiluzea in Basque) to avoid the access of rodents. Ventilation is allowed by the slits in its walls. Similar buildings (barns) on staddle stones are found in Southern England.
Cruceiros (stone crosses) are placed at crossroads or near chapels, churches and cemeteries. Castelao said that a stone cross is a "pardon from heaven", because according to the great Galician writer, stone crosses are built to obtain forgiveness for a sin. Since in Galicia there are around 12,000 stone crosses, our flaws must be many� But it is also said that the stone crosses protect travellers, so for those who journey through these lands their protection is guaranteed.
Combarro is an unmatched example of Galician folk architecture and it�s considered one of the best preserved villages in Galicia. Its remarkable urban cluster was declared set of artistic interest due to its unique charm. It feels like stepping into a magical and genuine Galician folk architecture village. A traditional fishing village where it seems time has stopped and one of the most beautiful and charming of the Galician coast.
Its name come from comb which means hollow, valley, camber of the coast. The village is placed on a crescent-shaped bedrock cambered in its ends by the beaches of Padron and the now missing beach of Chousa.
The old town was built to adapt to the lifestyle of its residents: sailors and farmers. The traveler can contemplate how its more than 30 granaries are aligned on the granite base that shapes the coast and reach the shoreline.
It is in the wall surrounding the old town where these granaries are embedded. Besides this, and due to its singular mix of farming and fishing activities, in Combarro these granaries are used as dryer places for anchovies, sardines and other kind of fish typical of the R�a. That is why these granaries built by the sea are so exceptional in comparison with those typical Galician granaries built to save farmer�s crops. Also, because of the Galician belief of protection, we can find in Combarro many peculiar architectural elements called �cruceiros�, located in squares and crossroads.
We find a simple explanation for the grouping of these houses and granaries: the houses were built on granitic rocks just to take advantage of fertile land. Rocky space is scarce and the houses are small size that is the reason for a large cluster of stone houses.
Due to the above, Combarro is considered one of the most interesting old towns of Galicia.
Granary is one of the best expressions of folk architecture. Its height prevents from mice and humidity generated in this rainy area. Air needed for corn grains circulates through the apertures. Currently these granaries are used as storage places by some owners or even are deprecated.
Other typical elements you can enjoy in this Galician village are �cruceiros�. They have deep symbolism
They serve to protect from La Santa Compa�a, the procession of souls that are believed to appear in the dark nights of Galicia. Six of these sculptures are distributed all over Combarro undertaken from 1727.
Apart from architecture we also can admire maritime scenes that take place in the harbor and beach. It is very frequent see women in shellfish works during low tide, as well as fishing net reparation works or entry and departure of little ships at harbour.
FEATURED PHOTO, Artists Best Five Artwork group, 01/08/2014
FEATURED PHOTO, Collectors Treasures group, 01/08/2014
FEATURED PHOTO, Art from the Past group, 01/09/2014
FEATURED PHOTO, Forgotten by Time group, 01/10/2014
Uploaded
January 8th, 2014
