Riuraus

The Riurau is the most characteristic element in the traditional architecture of El Poble Nou de Benitatxell and of all the Marina Alta. Its structure has been linked to agricultural functions and production of Raisin of muscatel from the 19th century and finally, has influenced the style of later construction.

Its structure is based on a ground floor porch with arcades (usually semicircular arches, often discounted) and covered with a gabled roof. The Riurau served to shelter the raisins, arranged on reed mat, in case of rain or moisture during the drying process. Arcades allow the ventilation and the building tends to be always oriented towards South or West, never to the North. Hence the riurau proliferation occurs with the expansion of the production marketing and export of the grape, reaching the United Kingdom and even the United States of America.

The riurau may be integrated into the main building, the "caseta", attached on the front or on the sides, or as a separate building. In El Poble Nou de Benitatxell riuraus were built in all of the municipal terms, actually the dimensions are smaller, three or four arcades only and usually integrated in the main building.

Although, Riuraus were also built independent and with greater number of arcades, as in the case of the Riurau Torra, that until few years ago showed ten arches. This type of construction of numerous arcades is currently in a decrepit state.

El Poble Nou de Benitatxell joined, into the program of the Marina Alta for the installation value, in 2014, dissemination and promotion of these typical constructions and its cultural richness in the project of the route of Riuraus (Ruta dels Riuraus).

More information about Riuraus Route