Espigueiros - the granaries of Northern Portugal
Espigueiro is the Portuguese word (horreo in Spanish) for the stone granaries that are found in Nothern Portugal and Northwest Spain (Galicia). They are used for drying mainly corn by placing them across the lateral openings, and whose elevation prevents the rodents from entering and destroying the crop.These structures (which originated from the Romans) are supported and raised by short pillars on top of which is a long house-like stone structure which can vary in length. The walls on the long sides of this structure have baluster-like openings to allow the circulation of air. The top of both ends, usually are decorated by symbols, sometimes with crosses. Many of these granaries are from the 18th and 19th centuries, and are still very much in use. They are mostly found in Minho, and many are just along the roadside, thus can easily be seen.
