Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Jazera

“Jazera” ( ice box)

These wooden framed windows called "jazere" (ice box) which stick out from the facade of the building are a rare sight now, but they used to serve two purposes: the glass pane underneath was so people could see who was in the street without having to open the window and catch cold in winter.
And as it was exposed to the cold and to the Bora wind, it was a cheap and ecological fridge to keep perishable food in.

The jazere are disappearing now, but a web radio stationed in Trieste has been inspired by them: www.lajazera.net.

Long live the protofridge!

10 comments:

Bolina Stretta said...

Mia nonna parlava sempre della jazera, e solo ora, dopo tanti anni, ne vedo una.

Complimenti !

Tash said...

Very clever invention - beautiful photo. My grandma had what she called a "mashkariol" a cabinet with a wire mesh to keep flies off the meat, but used only tap water to cool the wine down.

USelaine said...

It seems like a perfectly sensible solution to the price of energy, these days.

Fio said...

Well. But what about cleaning??
:D

tr3nta said...

Very interesting post I didn't know that... the word sounds like it has Arab origin...

The Good Life in Virginia said...

what a clever idea...and two-fold at that.
thanks for sharing.
enjoy your blog.

Unknown said...

Great detail of the amazing jazera! Interesting to read about it.

The cranes on the previous post are fantastic!

Unknown said...

Oh.. so interesting to read that it was used as a fridge previously.

Saretta said...

Fascinating!

Judy said...

I love the photo! The solid, square lines of the bricks, contrasting with the ghostly reflections of the trees! And history, as well!
Thanks for sharing!