Restoration of the stone tapia of Hsin Al-Qala (Castell d'Alcalà de Gallinera), Alicante, Spain

Abstract

The fortress of Alcalà de Gallinera is recognised as a monument of great historic and architectural value. The stone tapias (rammed earth walls with stone in-fill) of this Almohad construction, in their current ruinous condition, constitute a material document of exceptional interest. This paper details the restoration methodology, understood as a unified process which includes phases of prior study, project and execution of the work. Previous research carried out has provided information on the materials, techniques and trades of the original wall, crucial matter to drawing up the restoration plan. Archaeological study provides valuable information and makes it possible to establish a precise chronology of the different elements of the monument. This paper describes the restoration criteria and interventions, without losing sight of the knowledge of and respect towards this architecture, encouraging a greater appreciation of these walls that are almost a thousand years old. © 2012 Taylor & Francis Group, London.