From Ruin to Resource: The Role of Heritage and Structural Rehabilitation in the Economic and Territorial Regeneration of Rural Areas

Abandoned historic settlements can be revitalized as cultural resources to spur economic and territorial regeneration, particularly in rural areas facing depopulation. This study demonstrates that integrating heritage conservation with adaptive reuse—such as temporary occupation and flexible land use—can transform ruins into viable assets without requiring permanent repopulation. Using the ruins of Moya (Cuenca, Spain) as a case study, researchers developed an integrated strategy combining structural rehabilitation, vernacular fabric preservation, and functional area organization. The approach emphasizes activating monumental heritage while respecting historical identity, offering a replicable model for sustainable development in declining rural environments. Evaluated against national and international examples, this framework bridges physical restoration with economic and educational programs to strengthen local economies and territorial cohesion.

Barelles-Vicente, E., Torner-Feltrer, M. E., Llinares Millán, J., & Aparicio-Fernández, C. (2025). From Ruin to Resource: The Role of Heritage and Structural Rehabilitation in the Economic and Territorial Regeneration of Rural Areas. Land, 14(9), 1765. https://doi.org/10.3390/land14091765