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Set on the periphery of the beautiful Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal is the traditional village of Soajo. Its quaint houses and small church create a charming picture, but it is best known for its impressive espigueiros: granite granaries built above the ground. Espigueiros means “spikes,” and these granaries are supported on granite slabs from the Peneda mountains. They were built off the ground to protect food crops from rats and other rodents, and were used by the whole community. The oldest espigueiros date back to 1782, and the whole cluster was constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries. Of the 24 that remain today, some are still used today to store grain, especially corn. Source: www.atlasobscura.com/places/espigueiros-do-soajo

Set on the periphery of the beautiful Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal is the traditional village of Soajo. Its quaint houses and small church create a charming picture, but it is best known for its impressive espigueiros: granite granaries built above the ground. Espigueiros means “spikes,” and these granaries are supported on granite slabs from the Peneda mountains. They were built off the ground to protect food crops from rats and other rodents, and were used by the whole community. The oldest espigueiros date back to 1782, and the whole cluster was constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries. Of the 24 that remain today, some are still used today to store grain, especially corn. Source: www.atlasobscura.com/places/espigueiros-do-soajo PIPs ABOVE:

ID por Neira-Dan Sal Soares

Set on the periphery of the beautiful Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal is the traditional village of Soajo. Its quaint houses and small church create a charming picture, but it is best known for its impressive espigueiros: granite granaries built above the ground. Espigueiros means “spikes,” and these granaries are supported on granite slabs from the Peneda mountains. They were built off the ground to protect food crops from rats and other rodents, and were used by the whole community. The oldest espigueiros date back to 1782, and the whole cluster was constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries. Of the 24 that remain today, some are still used today to store grain, especially corn. Source: www.atlasobscura.com/places/espigueiros-do-soajo PIPs ABOVE:

HAPPY SOLSTICE TILL NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS TO ALL MY IPERFRIENDS AROUND THE PLANET!

HAPPY SOLSTICE MY IPERFRIENDS!

Set on the periphery of the beautiful Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal is the traditional village of Soajo. Its quaint houses and small church create a charming picture, but it is best known for its impressive espigueiros: granite granaries built above the ground. Espigueiros means “spikes,” and these granaries are supported on granite slabs from the Peneda mountains. They were built off the ground to protect food crops from rats and other rodents, and were used by the whole community. The oldest espigueiros date back to 1782, and the whole cluster was constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries. Of the 24 that remain today, some are still used today to store grain, especially corn. Source: www.atlasobscura.com/places/espigueiros-do-soajo PLS CLICK ON PHOTOS UNDERNEATH TO GO TO THEIR PAGE

For overview: youtu.be/9qHCSuAb6uQ The Lindoso Granaries date back from the 18th and 19th centuries. Contrary to what was often written by some that present them as an expression of community life, they are private and adjusted in its structure and volume to the possessions of each family. By having a look at the type of granary, also called “canastro”, one could guess to which house they would belong. However, due to several divisions this became quite difficult. In the past they were a privileged place for thieves, especially at times of cereal crisis. Their location, in a high place, did not obey to a community programme of corn distribution, but to the need of cereals’ ventilation and surveillance. This daily surveillance of the cereals, of the vineyards, of the flour in mills and eventually also of fruit trees was carried out by policemen in a rotation scheme and / or by owners of houses that had vineyards, under the local authorities orders: president of the parish council, the janitor, etc. The existence of sanctions and the surveillance system – evidence the lack of trust and confidence and also the idea that poor would steal/ rob the wealthiest – and this also conveyed the idea that there was a certain interest among the inhabitants. Only when deprivation and starvation were eliminated, and all the houses had a vineyard, did this surveillance system disappeared as it had no reason to exist. Source: www.center.pt/imprensactr/estudo_187.pdf