Author(s)

C. Rubio Bellido, P. Gallego Pérez & R. Llácer Pantión

Abstract

The pooled analysis of military heritage in the historic city of Cadiz is an approach to the understanding of a city mainly delimited by the sea and located in a strategic position. These conditions have contributed to the fact that this city has had a leading role throughout history. Cadiz has a patchwork culture with academic, traditional and overseas influences. As a result of the former, there are similarities with other coastal cities. The authors strive to perform a thorough analysis of the defensive fortifications of Cadiz under an overall criterion. In addition, a holistic understanding will enhance the historical and cultural value of the citadel of Cadiz with the aim of proposing these fortifications to be recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This paper contributes to the preservation and the development of the fortified city of Cadiz. Moreover, it enhances its environmental regeneration and improvement of the cultural and tourism offer. Keywords: military heritage, fort, fortifications, sustainable development. 1 Introduction The city of Cadiz is in the south of Spain (36º32´N, 6º18´W) and is largely surrounded by sea. When analysing the origin, formation and evolution of the city, the importance of its geographic and climatic conditions stand out. It is a separate, firmly closed, easily defended enclave, thanks to a calm sea in the bay, capable of providing a haven for entire fleets, and hostile waters to seaward, a sea blown by the Vendaval. The land occupied by the historic centre today is a rocky platform in the shape of an irregular pentagon. It has been of great interest in history as a centre

Keywords

military heritage, fort, fortifications, sustainable development.