Horreos at Combarro, Galicia.

An horreo (Spanish) Piorno (Galego) is a unique feature of the landscape in Galicia. They are also to be found in Asturias where they are square in shape. The name derives from the latin, Horreum. In ancient Rome the Horrea were warehouses for the storage of grain, foodstuffs, wine, and other goods. The Spanish language has retained the term for this type of structure although in the local Galego language they are called a Piorno. It is a grain store. The slits in the side allow ventilation to prevent the stored items from going off. The structures are on stilts that taper with wide tops to prevent rodents and vermin getting at the goods stored inside and are usually made of stone as it is a natural insulator and weather proofer.