Preliminary studies to value enhancement of the old citadel in Oria, Almeria, Spain

Abstract

During the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, the alcazaba of Oria (Old citadel) was considered one of the most outstanding medieval defensive ensembles in the province of Almeria. This defensive complex, located in the Almanzora Valley at an altitude of over a thousand metres, was built around the 12th-14th centuries and has been registered as an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1985. Nevertheless, unfortunate decisions to intervene in the monument and lack of maintenance facilitated the loss of most of its wall, which had been preserved until the twentieth century. Despite the critical situation of the complex, two sections of the rammed-earth wall are currently identified as standing. This study represents an opportunity to broaden the knowledge of this relevant wall structure and the characterisation of the rammed-earth reinforced wall with lime mortar layers. As a preliminary step towards the rammed-earth walls analysis, the graphic representation of wall elevations by photogrammetry tools is proposed. This technique allows to graphically define the morphology of the rammed-earth wall, to perform its typological analysis and constructive characterisation; and furthermore, to evaluate the state of constructive elements conservation by means of the identification of its damages. The information and results obtained will allow to establish the appropriate laboratory tests for the rammed-earth materials characterisation and to define a report that justifies the inexcusable need to consolidate and preserve them.