Security bars on windows

[JustJack]

I've always wondered about the security bars you frequently see on the windows of homes in Spain. The obvious purpose is security, but they are so ubiquitous, including on the windows of houses in the smallest villages where surely there isn't an ongoing problem of people breaking into homes via the windows.

I'm inclined to think they've simply become an architectural style, and they are put there more for stylistic reasons than the need for safety, but what do I know.

I haven't had an opportunity to discuss it with a Spaniard yet. Other Europeans didn't seem to know, but agreed they don't
do the same thing in their countries.

Anyone else notice the omnipresent barred windows and wondered why they are everywhere?

 

[SYates]

One explanation I have heard here in Spain is that they allow for safe ventilation when the weather is hot - you can leave the windows open without the danger that somebody climbs in and steals something. Also, apparently some insurance companies requiere them.
BC SY

 

[Pelegrin]

I've always wondered about the security bars you frequently see on the windows of homes in Spain. The obvious purpose is security, but they are so ubiquitous, including on the windows of houses in the smallest villages where surely there isn't an ongoing problem of people breaking into homes via the windows.

I'm inclined to think they've simply become an architectural style, and they are put there more for stylistic reasons than the need for safety, but what do I know.

I haven't had an opportunity to discuss it with a Spaniard yet. Other Europeans didn't seem to know, but agreed they don't
do the same thing in their countries.

Anyone else notice the omnipresent barred windows and wondered why they are everywhere?

No tradition of bars in Galicia. You can see on the Caminos most windows without bars in rural Galicia. In Andalucia bars are sometimes decorative and in the past had to do more with "defense of honor" than with security.

 

[SYates]

No tradition of bars in Galicia. You can see on the Caminos most windows without bars in rural Galicia. In Andalucia bars are sometimes decorative and in the past had to do more with "defense of honor" than with security.

In rural Galicia perhaps not so much, but here in Santiago there are plenty of them.
BC SY

 

[Pelegrin]

In rural Galicia perhaps not so much, but here in Santiago there are plenty of them.
BC SY

Galician cities have some traditions that are not Galicians starting with the language.

 

[Vacajoe]

The Spain of today was not the Spain of the past. Securing one’s home through various wars and hard times in the 1900s was critical.

And while it seems fairly safe now, there has always existed vagrants and criminals in search of ways to support their lifestyles. Building security is especially important when some of these homes stand semi abandoned for most of the year if not for years on end. The ones without bars often have very durable wooden shutters or doors to secure them.

 

[Pelegrin]

The Spain of today was not the Spain of the past. Securing one’s home through various wars and hard times in the 1900s was critical.

And while it seems fairly safe now, there has always existed vagrants and criminals in search of ways to support their lifestyles. Building security is especially important when some of these homes stand semi abandoned for most of the year if not for years on end. The ones without bars often have very durable wooden shutters or doors to secure them.

Fifty years ago there were stil many villages in Galicia without a road so no possibility of criminals accessing by car. People left houses open when they went out to work in their fields. And no problems with " defense of honor" like in Andalucia ( boyfriend coming in), so no bars in rural Galicia.

 

[wisepilgrim]

No tradition of bars in Galicia. You can see on the Caminos most windows without bars in rural Galicia. In Andalucia bars are sometimes decorative and in the past had to do more with "defense of honor" than with security.

I cannot speak to their purpose, but want to say that they absolutely do exist in rural Galicia. Every house in my very small village has them, down to the smallest of openings that would not allow for a human to pass through. They are often removed by renovations, but they are ubiquitous all the same.

 

[Pelegrin]

I cannot speak to their purpose, but want to say that they absolutely do exist in rural Galicia. Every house in my very small village has them, down to the smallest of openings that would not allow for a human to pass through. They are often removed by renovations, but they are ubiquitous all the same.

I am from rural Galicia (concello de Aranga Coruña). Mine and concellos around like Irixoa, Monfero, Guitiriz don' t have bars except a few ones. Don' t forget dogs.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I've always wondered about the security bars you frequently see on the windows of homes in Spain. The obvious purpose is security, but they are so ubiquitous, including on the windows of houses in the smallest villages where surely there isn't an ongoing problem of people breaking into homes via the windows.

I'm inclined to think they've simply become an architectural style, and they are put there more for stylistic reasons than the need for safety, but what do I know.

I haven't had an opportunity to discuss it with a Spaniard yet. Other Europeans didn't seem to know, but agreed they don't
do the same thing in their countries.

Anyone else notice the omnipresent barred windows and wondered why they are everywhere?

Another thought for all Spanish windows and doors is that the Caminos we travel are over trails over 1,000 years old. So buildings can be much older and windows and doors are usually replaced when needed. The timing of that, "need," may take a very long time.

Second, in those olden times, there was no immediate access to Garda as there is today. One's home, therefore, was not only their castle but also their fortress. This will also explain the substantial main doors we see throughout Europe. Sound logical?

 

[t2andreo]

One explanation I have heard here in Spain is that they allow for safe ventilation when the weather is hot - you can leave the windows open without the danger that somebody climbs in and steals something. Also, apparently some insurance companies requiere them.
BC SY

Further to this point, which is very good, is that mosquiteros de ventanas or "mosquiteros" or window screens are not commonly seen across Spain. So, if you wanted ventilation during periods of warm weather, and wanted to keep humans out of first-floor rooms, bars on windows would be the next best thing.

The presence of vertical bars on ground floor windows does not, in and of itself, indicate a crime problem. The architectural is to restrict unauthorized access to ground floor spaces from the outside. I view it as a ventilation architectural feature, in lieu of screens.

The bars, will not however, keep the neighborhood cats from hopping up and into your room. I have experienced this personally. I am a cat person, but is still scared the living (sleeping) daylights out of me.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[JustJack]

Another thought for all Spanish windows and doors is that the Caminos we travel are over trails over 1,000 years old. So buildings can be much older and windows and doors are usually replaced when needed. The timing of that, "need," may take a very long time.

Second, in those olden times, there was no immediate access to Garda as there is today. One's home, therefore, was not only their castle but also their fortress. This will also explain the substantial main doors we see throughout Europe. Sound logical?

I agree there's a historical element to this, but I see the bars on buildings that are relatively modern as well.

 

[JustJack]

Thanks all for your thoughts. This has reinforced my opinion that the bars are more of an architectural style feature than a safety feature in modern times. No other reason really explains it fully. I just find it interesting, because the practice of putting bars on windows didn't seem to catch on in any of the other European countries to the same degree. Wonder if it's a Moorish influence.

 

[Rick Davidson]

I've always wondered about the security bars you frequently see on the windows of homes in Spain. The obvious purpose is security, but they are so ubiquitous, including on the windows of houses in the smallest villages where surely there isn't an ongoing problem of people breaking into homes via the windows.

I'm inclined to think they've simply become an architectural style, and they are put there more for stylistic reasons than the need for safety, but what do I know.

I haven't had an opportunity to discuss it with a Spaniard yet. Other Europeans didn't seem to know, but agreed they don't
do the same thing in their countries.

Anyone else notice the omnipresent barred windows and wondered why they are everywhere?

No…never questioned security bars but much of Europe has had roll up security screens for a long time. This seems almost universal on new construction. The screens completely cover the window when rolled down. Window and even front door security is also almost universal in much of Asia.

 

[Yoyo]

My concern wouldn't be so much to keep the bad guys out but to get out myself in case of an emergency like a fire, when exiting through the door is impossible...