A raccard in the village of Fiesch, Valais

Raccards are traditional granaries that can be found in the Swiss Alps (usually in Valais) and in the Italian Alps (in the Lys Valley, Valsesia, and in Ayas). In Italy they are called rascard or torbe and in Savoy regard. They are also found in the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions of Italy.[1] Raccards share similarities with the horreos found in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.

These pre-industrial structures resemble log cabins, built above ground and supported by wooden stilts.[1] A circular stone slab, forming an overhang, is intercalated between the stilts and the granary to prevent rodents from gaining access to the grain or fodder reserves. Raccards allow for preserving and processing grain products.[1][2]

  • Raccards in Saas-Fee
    Raccards in Saas-Fee
  • Raccard in Grimentz - a view of the stone slabs which prevent rodent incursions.
    Raccard in Grimentz - a view of the stone slabs which prevent rodent incursions.
  • Rascard in Ayas
    Rascard in Ayas

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Preservation and energy behavior in Aosta Valley's traditional buildings". Vernacular Architecture: Towards a Sustainable Future: 149–154. 2014-08-28. doi:10.1201/b17393-27. ISBN 978-0-429-22679-3.
  2. ^ Estienne, Pierre (1946). "K. Suter. — L'Economie alpestre du val de Bagnes". Revue de Géographie Alpine. 34 (2): 326–327.


Stub icon

This article about a building or structure type is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information.