Barraca-Bama!
Written by mpowellThe small triangular barraca is a sight which is quickly disappearing from the Valencian landscape. These homes, popularized in Blasco Ibáñez’s novel of the same name, have been popular with Valencia’s fishermen and farmers for centuries, but are now becoming endangered — another victim of modernity.
Barraca in El Palmar
Barracas are rectangular, about 9×5 meters, with a steep triangular roof to fend off rain. Traditionally, they’re made of clay, canes & reeds, and have a small top floor which might be used for the storage of silk worms. Entrances on either side allow air to circulate.
The best place to see barracas is in the communities of the Albufera, particularly El Palmar. There, you’ll even have the chance to go inside one — there’s a museum dedicated to them.
If you can’t be bothered to leave the city, there’s another option… but you’ll have to hurry. The last surviving barraca in the city center can be found in Carmen, but the city council is threatening to remove it in favor of a police station (all in the name of progress and modernity, of course!) The address is Calle San Miguel 22 (location).
The Last Barraca in Valencia City
AJS wrote,
Que? There is a Police substation less then 200 meters down Calle Alta. Do they need more space not to arrest the guys selling hash etc.. right around the corner from the Station.
Corner of Pl del Carmen and Pintor Fillol for those wondering. Not hard to find, they are the guys laughing at the police and being rude to female tourists.
Link | July 25th, 2008 at 9:24 pm