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The restoration of the La Campa fort begins

News

06/06/2023

The restoration of the La Campa fort begins

If Melchor Gaspar de Jovellanos were to rise today, he would surely crack a smile. It was the enlightened Spanish intellectual and politician who in 1783 commissioned the architect Manuel Reguera to undertake the first excavation at the La Campa site, in Gijón. These archaeological remains once housed the largest maritime fort of the Astures, dating back to the 4th-5th centuries BC.

More than 2,000 years later, that heritage will be partially revived thanks to the restoration efforts initiated by Desarrolla Obras y Servicios in collaboration with the restorers from Terra Arqueos. A partnership previously forged in the success of projects such as the cleaning and restoration of the villa romana de Veranes.Both this project and the one at La Campa have been promoted by the Gijón City Council. The goal? To enrich and enhance the entire heritage of the Museos Arqueológicos de Gijón, which includes the castro de La Campa, the Veranes villa, and the Campo Valdés Roman Baths.

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THE RECOVERY OF THE CASTRO DE LA CAMPA GETS UNDERWAY

DESARROLLA IS UNDERTAKING THE DRAINAGE AND CONSOLIDATION WORKS OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS FOUND AT THE CASTRO DE LA CAMPA TORRES IN GIJÓN. THIS SITE WAS ONCE THE LARGEST MARITIME FORT OF THE ASTURES.

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The history of the La Campa fortress

The truth is that the project we are going to execute at Desarrolla is, in a way, the natural culmination of a journey through time. Indeed, the castro de La Campa was declared a National Historic-Artistic and Archaeological Monument in 1980.Years later, it would be classified as a Cultural Heritage Site, joining in 1995 the network of Archaeological Museums of Gijón. Its significance as an archaeological area, therefore, seemed unquestionable.The fact is that the passage of time, combined with the unique characteristics of the site, called for a series of actions that just a few years ago materialized in the Proyecto Campa. An ambitious program for the Archaeological-Natural Park whose first phase is now going to be developed.

Drainage and Recovery Works

What will this first phase consist of? Essentially, the project that is now being proposed, and which will be executed by Desarrolla in collaboration with Terra Arqueos, is structured into four chapters:

  • Geophysical studies.
  • Necessary archaeological work to undertake the drainage project.
  • Drainage works.
  • Consolidation and stabilization works of archaeological structures.

The ultimate goal of the initiative driven by the Gijón City Council is to reclaim this protected heritage for the community as a leisure and cultural space.As stated in the Master Plan, «updating the perception and understanding of the archaeological remains of La Llanada del castro, placing them within the context of the entire site. With this improvement, the aim is to develop activities related to the knowledge and enjoyment of the archaeological heritage of Gijón, and specifically, to expand the knowledge about the history of Cape Torres, from its earliest occupation, without distorting the original essence of the site and its immediate surroundings».

Sea, Flora, and Fauna at the Castro of La Campa

The project poses a technical challenge due to the unique circumstances surrounding the castro de La Campa. Currently, in fact, the archaeological remains are in a state of uneven preservation due to various factors.

  • The marine environment where the fort is located.
  • The proliferation of flora and fauna over the remains.
  • The occasional appearance of disrespectful visitors
  • The hydrogeological conditions that cause the remains to be submerged by water during winter and spring.

The drainage system will allow us to overcome these obstacles and then restore the archaeological remains using non-invasive techniques that will enhance the entire heritage.Once the works of Desarrolla Obras y Servicios are completed, the subsequent phases of the Plan can be activated, which will involve creating dissemination programs, enriching the museological discourse of the Castro de La Campa, updating the associated knowledge…Ultimately, to enhance that dream once envisioned by the esteemed Jovellanos…Visit us at the construction company headquarters in Asturias.

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