What are Galician Granaries?

Galician granaries, or “hórreos” as they are known locally, are elongated stone structures built to rise above the ground. They have been used for centuries to store grain and corn.

You know you’re in Galicia when you catch sight of “hórreos” at every turn. These unique symbols of traditional Galician agriculture are truly everywhere, and impossible to miss. Apparently there are around 30,000 of them!

We’ve seen them in towns and villages, in the mountains, and by the sea, and we’ve never seen two the same!  Some are big, some are small, some are old, some are new, but always distinctive.

The history and design of Galician Granaries

Hórreos, or Galician granaries, used for hundreds of years for storing grain, corn and vegetable crops, are unique elongated individual structures built from stone and/or wood, and raised well above the ground on supporting pillars.  This design was in an attempt to keep rodents out, and as a way to protect their harvest against moisture. The walls are constructed with slits to allow air flow and ventilation. Some of the structures are built on solid stone bases rather than on pillars.

They are so typical of the landscape and we’ve really enjoyed seeing them on our travels here. 

We had spotted similar structures in Asturias and Cantabria, but they were usually square in shape.

Probably the only thing we’ve seen more of in Galicia is the way marker and milestone signs for the Camino de Santiago! And funnily enough they’re often right beside a Galician granary!

If you’re ever in Galicia be sure to check them out, you can’t miss them! Let us know in the comments below if you’ve visited any Galician granaries.