Detail of the ornate wrought iron balcony, with a human face on its base. Ecomuseum of the Valleys of Àneu.
A large south-facing balcony was a feature of the better-off houses. They were usually protected from bad weather by the eaves of the roof. Elaborate ironwork such as there is on the rails of this one would have cost a small fortune, at the time. These balconies and terraces served as places to hang out the washing to dry, for growing flowers and herbs, for foodstuffs, or for simply sitting out for a while. With the glass windows on the balcony doors to give light, the airy room within was a good place to sew and do other close work. In spring and autumn the balcony and the room it opened into would have been one of the most pleasant and agreeable corners of the house.
