Landscape Dynamics and Spanish Heritage Protection History

Landscape: Interaction of Geographical Agents

Natural and Human Elements

The landscape results from the interaction of various geographical agents. These include:

• Natural elements: Originating from the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere (e.g., relief, climate, vegetation, soil, water). The action of these agents creates natural landscapes, although such landscapes are now limited and reduced in extent.
• Human elements: Derived from anthropic factors such as settlement patterns, land use, communication networks, etc. Human actions give rise to humanized or cultural landscapes, which represent the majority today.

The landscape must be considered in a multidisciplinary, complex, and dynamic way.

Integrated Landscape Concept

The current trend in geography is to understand the integrated landscape – the total reality. To achieve this, it is crucial to note the interrelationship between the different elements, both human and natural, that shape the landscape within a specific space.

Evolution of Heritage Protection in Spain

Interest in historical and cultural heritage is not a recent phenomenon. During the 19th century, romantic nationalism spurred the recovery of elements from the past, assigning them political value.

Early Developments (19th Century - 1933)

In Spain, the initial attempts to regulate national heritage began with the Royal Decree of the Council of Castile on July 6, 1803. This regulation facilitated the first archaeological excavations.

The Free Institution of Education played a role in integrating this subject into classroom applications.

Heritage gained significant relevance in the 20th century. Spain published its first historical heritage law in 1933, which remained in effect throughout the Franco regime.

Post-War Developments and Legislation

After World War II, there was a revitalized interest in heritage, echoing the attention it received in the 1930s. Notably, the Council of Europe contributed significantly, leading to 1974 being declared European Heritage Year.

The Charter of Venice (1977) prompted a shift, encouraging assets to be considered from multiple perspectives.

The Spanish Constitution acknowledges and values the importance of heritage. Following this, the Spanish Historical Heritage Act of 1985 (LPHE) was enacted, incorporating recommendations from UNESCO.

Article 2 of the Spanish Heritage Act defines historical heritage as the collection of "real estate and movable objects of artistic, historical, paleontological, archaeological, ethnographic, scientific, or technical value."