During the Middle Ages, from the eleventh century, the hearth was still placed in the center of the room, particularly in France and Spain, where huge fireplaces were built from the floor that resumed the custom of "fireplace room".
This central fireplace is still part of the Friulian living tradition, the so-called "focolar" with the bell hood hanging above the fireplace on the ceiling.
The fireplace was not only the source of heating but was also used for cooking by placing grills and caioli on them for dishes.