Images of the washhouses of Torre de Arcas
Explore the architecture and surroundings of this iconic meeting and working place in the heart of the Matarraña region.
The washhouses of Torre de Arcas
A 20th-century legacy that reveals the social life and everyday customs of the community in the Matarraña region.
History and social life at the washhouses of Torre de Arcas
The construction of the public washhouses in Torre de Arcas, during the first decades of the 20th century, marked a before and after in the daily life of its inhabitants. Before their existence, the arduous task of washing clothes was carried out directly in the gorge, under far more difficult conditions.
These washhouses not only significantly improved hygiene and working conditions, but they also became a vital meeting point for the women of the village. Here, amid the sound of water and the scrubbing of clothes, social networks were woven, news was shared and community bonds were strengthened. They were, in essence, the social heart of day-to-day life in rural Matarraña.
Over the years, the washhouses underwent renovations, including the incorporation of cement in some of their parts, as can be seen in their washing stones and walls. Despite the arrival of running water in homes in 1975, the use of these spaces continued for large items, keeping alive a tradition that transcended mere functionality.
Do you know the meaning of 'Fer safareig' in the Matarraña region?
The Catalan expression 'Fer safareig' refers to gossiping or conversing animatedly about public affairs, a custom closely linked to the washhouses, where the act of washing clothes was combined with social exchange. The word 'safareig', of Arabic origin 'saharij', underlines the deep cultural connection of these spaces as centres of community life and conversation.
Design and customs associated with the washhouses
The design of the washhouses follows a traditional and functional pattern, with a large rectangular pond divided into two zones: one for the initial wash, strategically located near the drain, and another for rinsing, where clean water enters. This system optimised the manual process. In addition, the home production of soap, using waste oil or ash, was a common practice and a testament to the self-sufficiency of households in the Matarraña region.
Matarraña · Tourism
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