Ventanias

Ventanias is a term that can refer to more than one concept in Spanish-language contexts. In architecture, ventanía (plural ventanías) denotes fenestration—the arrangement, number, size, and framing of window openings in a wall. The word is derived from ventana (window) plus the suffix -ía, which forms nouns indicating a property or aspect. In descriptive architecture and conservation, ventanía is used to discuss how light, ventilation, and façade rhythm are achieved through window placement, often in relation to regional styles such as Spanish Colonial or mission-influenced designs. It is distinct from the window itself (ventana) and from smaller openings (ventanilla).

Beyond architecture, ventanías can appear as toponyms: several places in the Spanish-speaking world bear names derived from ventanía and related forms. In such uses, the term functions as a proper noun rather than a technical term.

The term is primarily found in Spanish-language sources; English-language usage typically renders ventanía as fenestration or simply window openings when describing façade design.

See also: ventana; fenestration; ventanilla.