Espigueiros of Soajo – A Time Travel

I got to see the Espigueiros of Soajo when, last winter, I visited the Gerês area. In Arcos de Valdevez, this set of granaries – 24 in total – constitutes a communal threshing-floor that is on top of large granite slabs.

But what are these strange structures?

The so-called Espigueiros, aka, granaries, are rural constructions that were formerly used to store grain to protect the crops from predators or the weather. Made in granite, high positioned, and with a roof where we can see a Christian cross, a sign of traditional faith.

This set that I found in Soajo, where the oldest element dates from 1782, is considered a Property of Public Interest by the Portuguese government and is one of the tourist attractions of that region.

Espigueiros of Soajo