Publications
Unveiling Agricultural Heritage: Mapping Historical Features in Farming Landscapes
Agricultural heritage, though often overshadowed by more prominent landscapes, holds significant cultural and environmental value. This study introduces a novel methodology to assess the historical depth of agricultural features—such as roads, livestock routes, plots, buildings, and land use—in non-outstanding farming areas using historical cartography. The approach aims to recognize and preserve traditional techniques and processes that sustain cultural landscapes and gastronomic identities, even in regions lacking exceptional heritage status. Applied to Spain’s floodplains and irrigation areas near Aranjuez (Community of Madrid), the method demonstrates potential for integrating agricultural heritage into spatial decision-making, ensuring its long-term conservation.
Water and Enlightened Techniques: The Azuda (Waterwheel) of Aranjuez (Spain)
Aranjuez's cultural landscape was significantly enriched by the 18th-century Azuda waterwheel, a unique blend of classical and Muslim engineering reinterpreted under Enlightenment ideals. This study reveals that the Azuda, combining wheel and aqueduct functions, served dual purposes: irrigation and recreation, while reflecting Mediterranean noria traditions. Spatial and chronological analyses of its construction process highlight its aesthetic value and functional versatility, offering new insights into how hydraulic innovations shaped UNESCO-listed cultural heritage sites during the Enlightenment era.
Paisaje Cultural de Aranjuez y Patrimonio Mundial : Seducción, Declaración y Compromiso
Aranjuez Cultural Landscape, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, stands as a testament to the intersection of natural beauty and human ingenuity. This study reveals that its recognition was not merely an acknowledgment of its aesthetic appeal but also a commitment to preserving its cultural significance through structured management, conservation, and protection frameworks. The research meticulously analyzes the nomination process and the definition of cultural landscapes, providing insights into how such sites are safeguarded for future generations. By examining the lines established for the management of Aranjuez, this work offers a model for other cultural landscapes seeking World Heritage status, emphasizing the importance of balancing development with heritage preservation.
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