Thursday, September 24, 2009

Sìnia



The Sìnia is an ancient form of well using an Archimedes screw mechanism powered by horse or donkey and was brought to the L´Alt Emporda by the Greeks who settled the area; the name L´Alt Emporda is derived from the greek for market place.

The horse powering this sìnia seemed a bit skitterish and was not easily held by the handler who explained that he was upset at drawing the short straw whilst his stable mates pulled carts around the village as they taxied the visitors to the village centre.

A few examples of the sìnia have been restored and are preserved on the old horta's of VilaBertran, hortas which are still actively farmed and produce high quality fruit & vegetable crops.

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