Hello everyone and welcome to my blog :-)
In the heart of Alto Minho, in Paredes de Coura, we discover a preserved piece of the Portuguese rural soul: the granaries and the communal threshing floor, silent testimonies of a collective experience deeply linked to the land and the seasons. This visit was a true journey through time, and it is exactly the type of experience that I recommend to anyone looking for history and breathtaking landscapes.
PT
No coração do Alto Minho, em Paredes de Coura, descobrimos um pedaço preservado da alma rural portuguesa: os espigueiros e a eira comunitária, testemunhos silenciosos de uma vivência coletiva profundamente ligada à terra e às estações. Esta visita foi uma verdadeira viagem no tempo, e é precisamente o tipo de experiência que recomendo a quem procura , história e paisagens de cortar a respiração.
Getting to the place is easy. The roads are in good condition and well signposted, and there is parking nearby (something not always found in these places). Even for those traveling with children, access is comfortable. The walking route to the center of the granaries is short and pleasant, surrounded by typical vegetation of the region and small granite houses.
PT
Chegar ao local é fácil. As estradas estão em boas condições e bem sinalizadas, e há estacionamento próximo (algo que nem sempre se encontra neste locais). Mesmo para quem viaja com crianças, o acesso é confortável. O percurso pedonal até ao núcleo dos espigueiros é curto e agradável, rodeado por vegetação típica da região e pequenas casas de granito.
Upon arrival, the scene looks like something out of a movie. The granaries (stone and wood structures) are built on pillars, protected by round "millstones" that prevent access by rodents. They were used to dry and store corn, protecting it from moisture and animals, an ingenious system that reveals the practical knowledge of agricultural communities of other times.
PT
Ao chegar, o cenário parece de filme. Os espigueiros (estruturas em pedra e madeira) erguem-se sobre pilares, protegidos por "mós" redondas que impedem o acesso de roedores. Eram usados para secar e guardar o milho, protegendo-o da humidade e dos animais, um sistema engenhoso que revela o saber prático das comunidades agrícolas de outros tempos.
Next to the granaries is the communal threshing floor, a large space with a granite floor where the cereal was threshed, normally with the help of oxen. This was a true center of community life, where work mixed with socializing. Imagining the hubbub of families, the sound of clothes hitting the floor, the laughter of children and the smell of sun-dried corn is almost inevitable.
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Ao lado dos espigueiros encontra-se a eira comunitária, um amplo espaço de piso em granito onde se malhava o cereal, normalmente com a ajuda de bois. Este era um verdadeiro centro de vida comunitária, onde o trabalho se misturava com o convívio. Imaginar o burburinho das famílias, o som das malhas a bater no chão, os risos das crianças e o cheiro do milho seco ao sol é quase inevitável.
Historically, this area of Paredes de Coura has always been marked by a strong connection with agriculture. The granaries and the threshing floor are a legacy that goes beyond architecture: they are symbols of solidarity and sharing, at a time when the success of the harvest was everyone's responsibility. There were no fences or selfishness. The space belonged to everyone, and everyone contributed.
PT
Historicamente, esta zona de Paredes de Coura sempre foi marcada por uma forte ligação à agricultura. Os espigueiros e a eira são uma herança que vai além da arquitetura: são símbolos de solidariedade e partilha, num tempo em que o sucesso da colheita era uma responsabilidade de todos. Não havia cercas nem egoísmos. O espaço era de todos, e todos contribuíam.
This place has been restored with great sensitivity, maintaining the original moth and allowing each of us to understand the function and importance of these elements. Along the route, there are information signs that help to contextualize the place, both from a historical and cultural point of view.
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Este lugar foi restaurado com grande sensibilidade, mantendo a traça original e permitindo que cada um de nós compreenda a função e importância destes elementos. Ao longo do percurso, existem placas informativas que ajudam a contextualizar o local, quer do ponto de vista histórico como cultural.
Furthermore, the surrounding landscape is brutal. The view over the valleys of Paredes de Coura is simply stunning, especially in the late afternoon, when the golden sunlight hits the granaries and gives the granite a warm, nostalgic glow. It is the perfect setting for photography lovers, or simply for those who like to lose themselves in moments of contemplation.
PT
Além disso, a paisagem envolvente é brutal. A vista sobre os vales de Paredes de Coura é simplesmente deslumbrante, especialmente ao final da tarde, quando a luz dourada do sol bate nos espigueiros e dá ao granito um brilho quente e nostálgico. É o cenário perfeito para os amantes da fotografia, ou simplesmente para quem gosta de se perder em momentos de contemplação.
The visit can be done in about an hour, but I strongly recommend taking your time and taking your time.
In short, the granaries and the community threshing floor are more than just a point of tourist interest, I consider them a visit to the roots of a people.
PT
A visita pode ser feita em mais ou menos uma hora, mas aconselho vivamente a fazê-la com tempo, com calma.
Em suma, os espigueiros e a eira comunitária são mais do que um ponto de interesse turístico, considero que são uma visita às raízes de um povo.
I hope you enjoyed.
See you around.
Wishing you much peace and health
Those who pass by us do not go alone. They leave a bit of themselves, taking a piece of us."
Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince.
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What a captivating glimpse into the heart of Portuguese rural life! The imagery is stunning, and the description of the granaries and threshing floor as "silent testimonies of a collective experience" truly resonates. It sounds like a place steeped in history and beauty.
Hi @omojuwa007! Great point of view😊 Glad U like it, thanks for stopping by!
Undoubtedly this place has a unique charm, I love it.
Hello @rousess! It really is a gem 😊 Glad U like it. Thanks for stopping by!
There is no need to doubt that this place has a very perfect view. I really like the view. The natural beauty is truly amazing, my friend ❤️🙏
Hermoso lugar. Siempre es bien recibido el verde de la naturaleza, gracias por tan bellas fotos.😘🙏🌹🇨🇺👏👏👏
Wow, muy hermoso
Hello @sami-sam! Thank U and thanks for stopping by 😊
Portugal certainly has magical places. I'm looking forward to discovering them in posts like these. I never thought it would be a country as full of charms as the one you're showing us.
Hi @maiasun84!Thank U so much, I was away on vacay and i have many more to show. Stay tunned 😉
Oh, yes I Will 👏🏻👌🏻
😁
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