Watchtowers on the Atlantic Coast of Andalusia (16th-17th Centuries) Towers Del Catalán, Umbría Y De La Arenilla

Abstract

Three nearby towers of the total of twenty-five preserved are documented, some of them exclusively ruined remains, on the Atlantic coast. Constituent elements of the first line of the defensive system of a territorial area.

Through graphic analysis, the aim is to systematically classify it, create a documentary and graphic archive, and understand the keys to its implementation on the coast. Understood not as isolated towers but as elements interrelated with each other (viewsheds) and with other nearby defensive constructions.

The historical context, the methodology used, the historical evolution of its typologies and the construction systems are described, detailing the description and graphic survey in the three examples referred to.

This research work focuses on the architectural analysis of this heritage complex, through four complementary graphic processes: measurement and data collection “in situ”, architectural survey, comparative table and location in a territorial framework.

According to the analysis carried out on the existing towers (in good condition or dilapidated), many of them have sufficient presence or representativeness to become symbolic elements of the system to which they belong, being susceptible to being integrated into routes along different cultural and environmental resources.

This research work focuses on the architectural analysis of this heritage complex, through three complementary strategies: Historical context, graphic catalog and architectural survey.

In the conclusions the parameters of twenty-five towers are set out.