For at least 500 years chimeneas have been used as fireplaces however chimineas are also gaining popularity as a decorative item for the patio and garden. As well as providing a comforting warmth to a patio area as well as an alternative for outdoor cooking, they can also be seen as an attractive garden focal point, often used for holding flowers or plants. Chimeneas (chim-in-ay-as) or Chimineas (chim-in-ee-as). There are several ways to spell and pronounce the name but all mean the same thing, an outdoor fireplace. Originally chimeneas were used indoors to take the chill out of the air during the evening hours. In the morning bread was cooked over the hot coals. Some form of chimenea has been used by many cultures around the world. It is difficult to say exactly how long chimeneas have been used, but it is evident that clay fireplaces or chimeneas have featured in the lives of millions of people across the world down the years.