CASTILLO SAN FELIPE
DESARROLLA COMPLETES THE RESTORATION OF THE CASTILLO DE SAN FELIPE IN FERROL, AN IMPOSING FORTRESS BUILT IN THE MID-16TH CENTURY UNDER PHILIP II
Time is relentless. Not only with people, but also with the heritage that surrounds us. Taking care of it is everyone’s responsibility. That is exactly what we at Desarrolla Obras y Servicios have just done by completing the restoration of the Castillo de San Felipe, in the Ferrol estuary — a spectacular fortress built in the mid-16th century by Philip II.The project, which Desarrolla was awarded a few months ago, has been financed through the 1.5% Cultural Fund of the Ministry of Transport, along with contributions from the Ferrol City Council.
The restoration of the Castillo de San Felipe has made it possible to recover the stone roofs of the fortress. This was a critical intervention, as it will from now on prevent the leaks that had affected the architectural complex.The first step toward expanding the uses of the castle, a long‑standing social aspiration that can now be brought to life. Listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest, the project we have carried out began with an archaeological study to ensure the protection of a heritage site of great historical and architectural value.In the first phase of the work, we completed conditioning tasks such as the manual cleaning of all the stonework and renders, the removal of the biogenic crust affecting certain parts of the castle, and the manual dismantling of stone masonry walls.The demolition of the tiled cladding and the removal of the granite masonry were other actions undertaken in this initial stage.
RESTORATION OF THE CASTILLO DE SAN FELIPE, A METICULOUS UNDERTAKING
Once these steps were completed, the lime or gypsum mortar joints were removed from the stonework paving. What was the purpose? Essentially, to proceed with a new sealing of the joints and a waterproofing of the entire stone floor.Our teams also installed new stone slab pavements and repositioned other pieces. All of this has restored the former splendour of the fortress roofs, from which you can enjoy impressive views over the Ferrol estuary.The final phase of the rehabilitation of the Castillo de San Felipe was the renewal of the rainwater drainage system. This was a critical intervention to eliminate the numerous leaks it had been suffering, and whose resolution will make it possible to expand the uses of the fortress.In short, a project we have truly enjoyed delivering, for the role it plays in caring for and protecting a historic heritage that belongs to everyone.Visit us at the headquarters of the construction company in Ferrol.
