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La Corrala

Hidden History

By Nicole Watson

This photo series is of La Corrala, the gorgeously unique place I called home during my ERASMUS study abroad in Sevilla. Also known as a Vencindario the beauty of this hidden jem isn't all that's noteworthy.

Corrala's can be found throughout Sevilla and Andalusia. These buildings hold a strong historical and cultural past. In the face of the Spanish Civil war and the Franco Regime Sevillian people suffered immensely. These spaces tell the history of neighbours and communities banding together to survive.

The Corrala's could around hundred individuals, with entire families crammed into one room. One of the room's I rented during my studies. Beautiful and spacious for myself, but dire conditions for an entire impoverished and struggling family.

Corrala's in Sevilla today continue to represent community. A space for activism, social justice and a call for direct democracy. Many, left to fall into decay and dilapidation have been occupied by locals rejected by the system. They play a large role in their communities.

I have been lucky enough to live in one for six months. To experience the raw realities of what it means to be a local in these areas. To understand complex social dynamics, embrace grass roots activism and soak in the energy of the creativity that bustles and emanates from this stunning, hidden gem.

Calle Fray Diego de Cadiz The Corrala, undetectable from the outside. A typical Sevillian street, one I called home for six months. The rows of balconies, brightly adorned with blooming flowers.	Hidden Gem As the ancient, wooden doors open, the senses are instantly tantalized. You are welcomed by a zesty lemon trees, and hoards of plants and flowers. This is the first sight you take in of the corrala, Architecture typical of Andalusia, designed to hold hundreds of occupants. The beauty masks the bleak history of these meaningful, historical and cultural sights.	Vibrance The greenery and bright colours are a feast to the eye. The myriad of intense and radiant colours of the Macarena barrio offer quite the juxtaposition to the reality. A neighborhood which has been neglected by local authorities.	Charm The corrala is the perfect example of early nineteenth century architecture. The patio was a place for neighbours to band together. The use of this patio has yet to change over hundreds of year, the exception being that now the Corrala is often open to wider nieghbourhood.
Rusticity The charming rustic atmosphere allows one to soak up the atmosphere and truly feel the history of this culturally relevant space. Also the place to tank a bottle of wine with my amazing neighbour Laura *shout out.	Creativity Improvisation workshops, open to the local community are held here each Monday morning. My first Monday in the corrala I was awoken with a cacophony of what I could only rationally presume was an apocalypse. This gorgeous space also hosts weekly jam sessions each Friday evening. Local musicians and artists gather together to create sounds far more enticing than that of the improvisation workshops. Hats of to best Amy Winehouse and Tom Waits impersonators.	Chrysalism The amendments to the architecture of the corrala means the climate is perfect in any season. This was not so in the nineteenth century. Often up to 15 people would huddle in each room for the winters would have to move higher up to avoid flooding during rainy seasons.	Garlic Just one of the beautiful details of this ancient space.
Attention to detail More tender loving care is evident upon the stairs which lead to the much beloved terrace. My favourite spot for the oh so cheap Spanish wine.	Jester The attention to detail shows the love and attention from neighbours. Each neigbour take time to personalise and maintain the corrala. My contribution was planting a few wee basil plants :)	City Break The bright green colour of the doors and windows, combined with the plants, enhances the sensation of being out of the city, tucked away in nature. Also, the door to my little alcove. My home for six months. I could pick lemons from my bedroom door.	Levels A fine example of the quirky architecture: effective use of space in the beautiful Andalusian design. Also, the view from my bedroom door.
No frills My neighbour hangs out on the terrace. An amazing spot for sun bathing and BBQs But it forces you to remember you're in the city, surrounded by traffic and residents packed into tiny apartments.	La Corrala The view from the terrace barely hints at the amount of hidden beauty and history below. Contrast to the bustling street on the other side.

QUESTION EVERYTHING

She believed she could and so she did.

La Corrala

Calle Fray Diego de Cadiz

The Corrala, undetectable from the outside. A typical Sevillian street, one I called home for six months. The rows of balconies, brightly adorned with blooming flowers.

Hidden Gem

Vibrance

The greenery and bright colours are a feast to the eye. The myriad of intense and radiant colours of the Macarena barrio offer quite the juxtaposition to the reality. A neighborhood which has been neglected by local authorities.

Charm

The corrala is the perfect example of early nineteenth century architecture. The patio was a place for neighbours to band together. The use of this patio has yet to change over hundreds of year, the exception being that now the Corrala is often open to wider nieghbourhood.

Rusticity

The charming rustic atmosphere allows one to soak up the atmosphere and truly feel the history of this culturally relevant space. Also the place to tank a bottle of wine with my amazing neighbour Laura *shout out.

Creativity

Chrysalism

The amendments to the architecture of the corrala means the climate is perfect in any season. This was not so in the nineteenth century. Often up to 15 people would huddle in each room for the winters would have to move higher up to avoid flooding during rainy seasons.

Garlic

Just one of the beautiful details of this ancient space.

Attention to detail

More tender loving care is evident upon the stairs which lead to the much beloved terrace. My favourite spot for the oh so cheap Spanish wine.

Jester

The attention to detail shows the love and attention from neighbours. Each neigbour take time to personalise and maintain the corrala. My contribution was planting a few wee basil plants :)

City Break

The bright green colour of the doors and windows, combined with the plants, enhances the sensation of being out of the city, tucked away in nature. Also, the door to my little alcove. My home for six months. I could pick lemons from my bedroom door.

Levels

A fine example of the quirky architecture: effective use of space in the beautiful Andalusian design. Also, the view from my bedroom door.

No frills

My neighbour hangs out on the terrace. An amazing spot for sun bathing and BBQs But it forces you to remember you're in the city, surrounded by traffic and residents packed into tiny apartments.

La Corrala

The view from the terrace barely hints at the amount of hidden beauty and history below. Contrast to the bustling street on the other side.