The “Curt del Curat” is one of Garlate’s best-preserved courts, also lauded by many as the most beautiful.
Its name purportedly originates from its historical ownership by the Church, a status it retains at least in part to this day. Arches, vaults and trapezoidal courtyard windows all bear testimony to its age and enduring beauty. It is, indeed, worthy of a monograph.
“Chi de Sèpa”, “Chi de Bram” and “Chi de la Surda” all lived there. With a touch of imagination, one can almost envision the women gathering “a rosc” (in groups), “i fàven i scalfétt e i sulètt” (making stockings), and the little girls playing “a spazi” (spaces). Each person shared their tale, “ognivon la sua”. And the children “i faven i cumdi” (revelled in carefree play). Elders were stern and forbidding but also nurturing and kind, essentially a microcosm of high social control.
