Historic Centre of Cordoba

The Arrabal Alcázar Viejo from Cordoba: Urban, Hereditary and Sustainable Regeneration of the Historic City Centre

Urban regeneration of historic city centers, such as Cordoba's Alcázar Viejo arrabal, must balance residential repopulation with tourism and heritage identity to ensure sustainable development. Current municipal plans, like Cordoba's Historic City Centre Special Protection Plan (PEPCH), often prioritize historical aesthetics over functional needs, threatening the viability of traditional casa patio structures. This study proposes that sustainable regeneration requires adaptive planning that integrates modern societal demands while preserving cultural heritage. By analyzing the Alcázar Viejo arrabal—recently recognized as UNESCO Intangible Heritage—the research highlights the tension between tourism-driven development and residential sustainability, offering a framework for eco-efficient urban regeneration that harmonizes heritage preservation with contemporary living needs.