Reja

Reja is a noun in Spanish that refers to a grille, lattice, or iron bars, commonly used as a protective or decorative element on windows, doors, balconies, or fences. In architecture, a reja can be a cast or wrought-iron panel, a vertical-bar grille, or an ornamental screen, often integrated into the opening's frame. The term is widely used in Spain and Latin America, and through Spanish-language influence it is familiar in other contexts such as the Philippines.

Construction and design: Rejas are usually made of wrought iron, steel, or aluminum, and are fixed to masonry or a metal framework. They vary from simple utilitarian bars to intricate patterns inspired by Renaissance, Baroque, or modern geometries. Common features include vertical or horizontal bars, rosettes, filigree, and arches. Rejas serve security purposes by deterring intrusion while allowing light and air.

Cultural usage and terminology: The plural rejas is common in describing multiple grills. In some regions, the term can also denote decorative screens used inside homes or in storefronts. In addition to its architectural meaning, reja may appear as a surname and in geographic names, such as neighborhoods or streets in Spanish-speaking countries.

See also: rejilla, rejas de seguridad.