“A Galician granary in Madrid? Really?” I imagine you are asking yourselves. This is the Hórreo. It stands here in the middle of Corcubión square since 1973. This generous stone cabazo is a Fisterra type Hórreo.
Madrid has a little piece of Galicia. It is in the heart of a parking lot in Corcubión square. This square is in the Pilar neighborhood. This area is in the Fuencarral-El Pardo district. The Hórreo is a building to keep food away from moisture and animals. This keeps the food in good condition.
Its story is quite unique. The City Council of Corcubión donated it in 1973 as a gift. It was transported stone by stone. Now it stands here.
The newspapers of the time say the opening was a big event. The Hórreo was decorated. It even has its own plaque. It reads “Corcubión, to the City Council and people of Madrid, May 1973.”
The Deputy Mayor of Madrid, Jesús Suevos, and the Governor of La Coruña, Miguel Vaquer, attended. The president of the Galician Center of Madrid, Constantino Lobo, was also there. Ramón Pais, the mayor of the Galician town, joined them. After the ceremony, the Rosalía de Castro group performed Galician dances.
The Pilar neighborhood has streets named after Galician towns. Carballo, Padrón, and Redondela are some examples. There is also Betanzos, Monforte de Lemos, and Verín. Fonsagrada and Corcubión square are also namesakes.
The Hórreo’s purpose is to store food safely. It keeps food away from animals. It is also used to dry and cure cereals.
The Urban History Group of the Pilar neighborhood shared some insights. Since its opening, the Hórreo has stayed in its original spot. In 2013, some local young people used it as a warehouse. Otherwise, it has remained undamaged. It stands well-preserved among cars and buildings. Its presence can be seen as a trip between Galicia and Madrid.
Think of the old Gran Vía pavilion in O Porriño. It makes sense that this Hórreo is in Madrid. The Hórreo is an icon of northern culture in Madrid.