HOUSING IN THE PAST A TYPICAL RURAL HOUSE IN THE AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT OF LA ARMUÑA PROVINCE OF SALAMANCA

Castilla y Leon is not only the largest region of Spain, but as well the largest region of all the European Union. The elevated plain is limited by the mountain ranges Sistema Iberico to the east, Cordillera Central to the south, Cordillera Cantabrica to the north and by Duero river towards Portugal. It is a plateau higher than the rest of Spain Provinces: Avila, Burgos, Leon, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora. Castilla and Leon came together in 1983, when the regions of Castilla la Vieja and Leon were united. Both have been central areas of Spanish medieval history, and the importance during that time is still evident in many cathedrals, monasteries, castles and fortified towns, many of which are preserved in perfect state. Apart of its great monumental patrimony, Castilla y Leon offers as well natural parks and kilometres of practically unspoiled nature, with woods of oaks and cork-oaks. Salamanca Salamanca's great historical importance is due to its University, one of the oldest of Europe. It is a city of outstanding beauty and rich cultural heritage.

THE DISTRICT OF LA ARMUÑA IS LOCATED IN THE NORTH OF THE PROVINCE OF SALAMANCA

THE DISTRICT OF ‘LA ARMUÑA’ IS LOCATED IN THE NORTH OF SALAMANCA, IN THE BORDER WITH THE PROVINCES OF ZAMORA AND VALLADOLID. ITS NAME COMES FROM THE ARABIC LANGUAGE AND MEANS ‘ORCHARD’. IT IS SUPPOSED THAT THE ARABS, WHO RULED THIS PART OF SPAIN DURING MORE THAN 200 YEARS, GAVE THIS NAME TO THE DISTRICT BECAUSE IT IS VERY GOOD FOR AGRICULTURE.

HOUSES IN THE AREA ARE MADE OF STONE OR BRICK AND THEY HAVE TWO FLOORS. IN THE GROUND FLOOR WAS THE KITCHEN AND THE LIVING ROOM, AND THE BEDROOMS WERE IN THE UPPER FLOOR. THIS HOUSE IS 125 HUNDRED YEARS OLD AND IS LOCATED IN A VILLAGE OF LA ARMUÑA DISTRICT CALLED ‘LA VELLÉS’.

THIS IS THE KITCHEN AND IT WAS ALSO USED AS A LIVING ROOM

IN THE BACK OF THE HOUSE THERE WAS A WIDE DOOR TO ALLOW THE CARTS AND ANIMALS TO COME INSIDE THE STABLES

OX CART IN LA ARMUÑA IS A TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE PULLED BY OXEN. USED ESPECIALLY FOR CARRYING AGRICULTURE GOODS, THE CART WAS PULLED BY TWO OXEN. SOME OF THEM WERE VERY BEAUTIFUL AND THEIR OWNERS WERE PROUD OF THEM.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE TOOLS AND MACHINERY USED TO WORK IN THE FIELD.

HARVESTING WHEAT BY HAND LONG TIME AGO

HARVESTING WHEAT TODAY

THIS IS THE FOLK COSTUME IN ‘LA ARMUÑA’ DISTRICT.

PEOPLE WORK IN AGRICULTURE AND THE MOST FAMOUS PRODUCE ARE LENTILS AND CHICKPEAS ECONOMY

WEATHER AND VEGETATION The typical weather in la Armuña is cold winters and hot summers. There is little vegetation in the district because the land is dedicated to agriculture: cereals and vegetables.

MODELS OF RURAL AND URBAN HOUSE MADE BY THE SPANISH ERASMUS TEAM FOR THE HOUSES EXHIBITION IN SKIFTINGEHUS – ESKILSTUNA - SWEDEN

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