Paridera

Paridera is a Spanish word that in sheep husbandry refers to the lambing season. It also refers to buildings intended for the care of ewes and goats. In Spain, there are such buildings from the 17th through 19th centuries that have been converted into houses or hotels. Other abandoned Parideras in some areas are protected by law as refuge for animals species.

History

The paridera is a traditional building in grazing areas of the ancient kingdom of Aragon, southern Soria and northern Guadalajara. The earliest reference dates from a deed of gift from the eleventh century. In it, the King of Castilla, Alfonso VI gives to the bishop of Siguenza and his descendants the village of Savin (now Torresaviñán), referring to a farrowing crate, which original document, written in Latin, called "ovetarium" and placed in the bishop's Serna.

Architecture

Parideras were built, usually from rocks and rough-hewn logs, either in open areas or mountainous places, where protection from predators or the elements was beneficial to the sheep. The walls and foundations may be natural stony outcrops or natural caves.