Contenido

Suele encontrarse en la zona levantina y del sur de España.

Andalusia

Dry stone constructions are common in various geographic regions, but each place has distinctive cultural singularities. In the rural environment of Sierra Mágina, located in the province of Jaén "Province of Jaén (Spain)"), numerous works of notable historical and ethnological value stand out, such as huts, wells, threshing floors "Era (workplace)") and lasts. In the Sierra Mágina Natural Park, limestone prevails, being the main material in these traditional architectural constructions.

Particularly characteristic in this region are the dry stone retaining walls known as "hormas". These structures, built with uncut limestone and without the use of mortar, are assembled precisely to delimit terraces, prevent erosion and optimize the land for agricultural purposes. An outstanding example of engineering is found in the Huerta de Pegalajar, where the skill of the master hormers has managed to integrate the construction of lasts harmoniously into the landscape and nature of the region.

Aragon

In the mountainous region of southern Aragon, located in one of the foothills of the Iberian System, covering both the Province of Teruel and a part of the Province of Castellón, there is a notable concentration of rural buildings and walls built in dry stone. These elements extend across practically all the mountain slopes where agricultural and livestock activities were historically developed.

Although some of these elements may date back to earlier times, most of the walls and associated constructions, such as shepherds' shelters, refrigerators, etc., originated with the enclosures of fields for livestock during the 18th century. Built with local limestone in the form of slabs and assembled without the use of binders, these walls mainly serve to delimit land and house huts known as "Iberian houses"), used as shelters for shepherds and to carry out agricultural work. These huts feature vaults created using the course approach technique, one of the oldest construction techniques, with roots dating back to the megalithic era in other regions of the region. Iberian Peninsula.

A peculiar detail is that the construction or repair of these elements, particularly the walls, was traditionally carried out on Holy Thursday, as part of an ancient tradition.

Although the exact origin of these constructions remains unknown, a medieval Gothic-style bridge in Puebla de San Miguel stands out that incorporates this technique in its railings. However, it is possible that this feature is the result of a reconstruction after the bridge's original construction period.

Recognizing their heritage value, the Government of Aragon designated these elements as Asset of Cultural Interest "Asset of Cultural Interest (Spain)") (BIC) in 2002. Subsequently, in 2018, UNESCO included them on the list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its extension that covers several thousand kilometers of walls, a dimension yet to be fully quantified.

Balearics

Menorca presents a distinctive and unique landscape, shaped by human intervention and its constructions, which over the centuries have been harmoniously integrated into the environment. A characteristic element that defines the difference in the landscape is the "dry wall" (called "paret seca" in Menorcan), which meticulously endlessly divides the fields of the island. These walls, like fences, surround portions of land known as "tancas" in Majorcan. According to popular tradition, it is estimated that if all the dry walls of Menorca were placed in a row, they would go around the world more than once.

In Menorca it is common to find two steps at some point on the wall, called "botadors", used to jump from one side of it to the other. The term "paredador" refers to the job of those who build these walls, being one of the oldest traditional jobs.

Although it might be thought that the dry walls used in fences have as their antecedents megalithic constructions such as talayots, navetas or taulas "Taula (talayotic construction)"), this idea is incorrect. There is a notable difference between the dry wall of the fences and the dry stone used in the aforementioned megalithic monuments. While the dry wall is individual or small groups and uses smaller stones, the ancient constructions required a large amount of labor and were erected thanks to the collaboration of the entire clan.

The appearance of the dry wall in Menorca is due to the natural presence of stone outcrops on the island. This local technique uses various materials, such as surface stones. Over time, quarries were established that allowed the selection of different types of stone and their appearance, although this complicated its integration into the environment. A possible reason for the emergence of the dry wall could be related to the need to find an effective method for property division. This problem was solved by using the most abundant and accessible material on the island: stones. The traditional use that the inhabitants of Menorca have made of the available natural resources and the resulting transformation in the landscapes, forests and grasslands, surrounded by the dry wall, have given the Menorcan landscape a distinctive and representative characteristic of the island. The dry wall technique is also used in the construction of some buildings, such as stables, and currently, as a decorative element.

Advantages: the dry wall, used for the construction of fences, removes a large amount of stones, facilitating tillage and making the field more arable. In addition, these walls protect the vegetation and crops from the prevailing winds that constantly cross the island. The dry wall divides and delimits fields, roads and farms, thus allowing rotational grazing.

Catalonia

In Catalonia, this technique is called "Pedra seca". It is present in various regions, among which Campo de Tarragona, Panadés, Las Garrigas, Segriá, Ribera d'Ebre, Tierra Alta, Ampurdán, Montsiá, among others, stand out. These constructions have had a significant impact, especially in the primary sector, shaping a distinctive agricultural and livestock landscape. Among the predominant crops are olive trees, vineyards, almond trees and cereals.

This technique is used for various architectures, such as the conditioning of farms, water storage and support for agricultural and livestock activity. Property conditioning architecture uses two main elements: the "marge" and the "stone clearance margin". The first is used to level slopes, forming terraces and gaining arable land. Additionally, it helps control water flow, retain moisture and prevent erosion. The "stone margin" serves additional functions, such as dividing property, storing stones, and creating terraces on sloping terrain.

The architecture to support agricultural and livestock activity is based on five elements: "barraques de vinya", "cabanes de volta", "balmes murades", "cabanes de teula" and "recers o paravents". The "barraques de vinya" use a system of superimposing stones to form conical structures used throughout the Mediterranean and specifically in Catalonia, in the central regions, the countryside of Tarragona and the coast. The "cabanes de volta" are sloping constructions with rows of ashlars forming semicircular arches, present in several regions. The "Balmes murades" are natural caves equipped with dry stone exterior walls. The "cabanes de teula" are square or rectangular constructions with dry stone walls and Arabic tile roofs.

Regarding water management, the most characteristic elements in Catalonia are the "basses", "cisternes i aljubs", and "cogulles". Basses are open-air sedimentary deposits, generally circular, with a dry stone side wall and a clay base. The "cisternes i aljubs" are more advanced tanks, buried and covered, with a closed cabin for water extraction. Finally, the "cogulles" are rectangular-shaped deposits excavated in rock.

Valencian Community

The Sierra de Enguera"), located in the extreme southwest of the province of Valencia, constitutes the last reliefs of the Iberian System, sharing this category with the Sierra de La Plana (Enguera, Valencia). To the south of these reliefs, the first pre-Betic elevations are represented by the Serra Grossa "Sierra Grossa (Province of Valencia)"), in the region of La Costera, Valencia.

In Enguera and to a lesser extent in the surrounding municipalities, the most widely spread typology of dry stone construction is the "cucos", equivalent to chozos, cubillos, bombos, barracas, among others, in other geographical regions.

According to the definition of Castellano Castillo (2001, 23), the cuckoo stands as a characteristic and defining element of the Enguerino agricultural landscape. It is a construction that is erected on small and medium-sized dryland farms, far from the urban area. In the cuckoo, the practical aspect prevails over any other, with the aesthetic value considered as an addition, generally not intentionally sought by the builder.

Unlike similar constructions in other regions, the cucos in Enguera function as shelters linked to agricultural cycles. They are used as protection against inclement weather and at times when agricultural work requires a more constant presence of the farmer on the farm, making trips to the urban center impractical due to its remoteness. The dry stone technique is also used in the construction of roads (terraces), piles, wells, barracks and bridges.

Murcia Region

In Murcia, the practice of the dry stone construction technique faces the threat of disappearance. With the aim of highlighting this worrying reality, the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage of the Region began, in 2022, the process for the declaration of Assets of Cultural Interest (BIC) of an intangible nature, providing support for the dry stone construction technique.

This architectural tradition covers distinctive buildings and elements that are distributed from the Altiplano de Murcia to the Campo de Cartagena area. Among them, emblematic examples such as the cucos of Jumilla and Seca stand out. In addition to these buildings, there are other architectural structures, such as runoffs, snow wells, paths and lasts that stabilize the soil, playing a crucial role in supporting dryland crops and thus contributing to combating desertification.

The presence of dry stone constructions is also evident in the Ricote Valley area in the region of Murcia. Along the course of the Segura River, this technique is closely linked to municipalities such as Cieza, Abarán, Blanca, Ricote, Ojós, Villanueva") and Archena.

The dry stone technique exhibits a rich typological diversity in much of the European continent. It is manifested through extensive spaces with terraces that shape environments of outstanding construction and landscape value. These structures are prominent in various areas, from the Mediterranean regions to the river valleys of Portugal, Switzerland and Germany, as well as at different points in the Alpine arc. They are a typical case of form closure.

In Europe these buildings play multifunctional roles, serving as shelters for both humans and animals. Notable examples include the "bories" in southern France, as well as the "caselli" and "trulli" in Italy. In addition, dry stone walls were used to delimit agricultural or livestock properties and spaces, both in the Mediterranean region and in more northern areas, such as Ireland, Wales and Scotland (for example, the town of Skara Brae), as well as some islands in Sweden.

In 2018, UNESCO inscribed this practice on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with the name Knowledge and techniques of the art of building dry stone walls, territorially affecting Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland.[1]​.

Contenido

Suele encontrarse en la zona levantina y del sur de España.

Andalusia

Dry stone constructions are common in various geographic regions, but each place has distinctive cultural singularities. In the rural environment of Sierra Mágina, located in the province of Jaén "Province of Jaén (Spain)"), numerous works of notable historical and ethnological value stand out, such as huts, wells, threshing floors "Era (workplace)") and lasts. In the Sierra Mágina Natural Park, limestone prevails, being the main material in these traditional architectural constructions.

Particularly characteristic in this region are the dry stone retaining walls known as "hormas". These structures, built with uncut limestone and without the use of mortar, are assembled precisely to delimit terraces, prevent erosion and optimize the land for agricultural purposes. An outstanding example of engineering is found in the Huerta de Pegalajar, where the skill of the master hormers has managed to integrate the construction of lasts harmoniously into the landscape and nature of the region.

Aragon

In the mountainous region of southern Aragon, located in one of the foothills of the Iberian System, covering both the Province of Teruel and a part of the Province of Castellón, there is a notable concentration of rural buildings and walls built in dry stone. These elements extend across practically all the mountain slopes where agricultural and livestock activities were historically developed.

Although some of these elements may date back to earlier times, most of the walls and associated constructions, such as shepherds' shelters, refrigerators, etc., originated with the enclosures of fields for livestock during the 18th century. Built with local limestone in the form of slabs and assembled without the use of binders, these walls mainly serve to delimit land and house huts known as "Iberian houses"), used as shelters for shepherds and to carry out agricultural work. These huts feature vaults created using the course approach technique, one of the oldest construction techniques, with roots dating back to the megalithic era in other regions of the region. Iberian Peninsula.

A peculiar detail is that the construction or repair of these elements, particularly the walls, was traditionally carried out on Holy Thursday, as part of an ancient tradition.

Although the exact origin of these constructions remains unknown, a medieval Gothic-style bridge in Puebla de San Miguel stands out that incorporates this technique in its railings. However, it is possible that this feature is the result of a reconstruction after the bridge's original construction period.

Recognizing their heritage value, the Government of Aragon designated these elements as Asset of Cultural Interest "Asset of Cultural Interest (Spain)") (BIC) in 2002. Subsequently, in 2018, UNESCO included them on the list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its extension that covers several thousand kilometers of walls, a dimension yet to be fully quantified.

Balearics

Menorca presents a distinctive and unique landscape, shaped by human intervention and its constructions, which over the centuries have been harmoniously integrated into the environment. A characteristic element that defines the difference in the landscape is the "dry wall" (called "paret seca" in Menorcan), which meticulously endlessly divides the fields of the island. These walls, like fences, surround portions of land known as "tancas" in Majorcan. According to popular tradition, it is estimated that if all the dry walls of Menorca were placed in a row, they would go around the world more than once.

In Menorca it is common to find two steps at some point on the wall, called "botadors", used to jump from one side of it to the other. The term "paredador" refers to the job of those who build these walls, being one of the oldest traditional jobs.

Although it might be thought that the dry walls used in fences have as their antecedents megalithic constructions such as talayots, navetas or taulas "Taula (talayotic construction)"), this idea is incorrect. There is a notable difference between the dry wall of the fences and the dry stone used in the aforementioned megalithic monuments. While the dry wall is individual or small groups and uses smaller stones, the ancient constructions required a large amount of labor and were erected thanks to the collaboration of the entire clan.

The appearance of the dry wall in Menorca is due to the natural presence of stone outcrops on the island. This local technique uses various materials, such as surface stones. Over time, quarries were established that allowed the selection of different types of stone and their appearance, although this complicated its integration into the environment. A possible reason for the emergence of the dry wall could be related to the need to find an effective method for property division. This problem was solved by using the most abundant and accessible material on the island: stones. The traditional use that the inhabitants of Menorca have made of the available natural resources and the resulting transformation in the landscapes, forests and grasslands, surrounded by the dry wall, have given the Menorcan landscape a distinctive and representative characteristic of the island. The dry wall technique is also used in the construction of some buildings, such as stables, and currently, as a decorative element.

Advantages: the dry wall, used for the construction of fences, removes a large amount of stones, facilitating tillage and making the field more arable. In addition, these walls protect the vegetation and crops from the prevailing winds that constantly cross the island. The dry wall divides and delimits fields, roads and farms, thus allowing rotational grazing.

Catalonia

In Catalonia, this technique is called "Pedra seca". It is present in various regions, among which Campo de Tarragona, Panadés, Las Garrigas, Segriá, Ribera d'Ebre, Tierra Alta, Ampurdán, Montsiá, among others, stand out. These constructions have had a significant impact, especially in the primary sector, shaping a distinctive agricultural and livestock landscape. Among the predominant crops are olive trees, vineyards, almond trees and cereals.

This technique is used for various architectures, such as the conditioning of farms, water storage and support for agricultural and livestock activity. Property conditioning architecture uses two main elements: the "marge" and the "stone clearance margin". The first is used to level slopes, forming terraces and gaining arable land. Additionally, it helps control water flow, retain moisture and prevent erosion. The "stone margin" serves additional functions, such as dividing property, storing stones, and creating terraces on sloping terrain.

The architecture to support agricultural and livestock activity is based on five elements: "barraques de vinya", "cabanes de volta", "balmes murades", "cabanes de teula" and "recers o paravents". The "barraques de vinya" use a system of superimposing stones to form conical structures used throughout the Mediterranean and specifically in Catalonia, in the central regions, the countryside of Tarragona and the coast. The "cabanes de volta" are sloping constructions with rows of ashlars forming semicircular arches, present in several regions. The "Balmes murades" are natural caves equipped with dry stone exterior walls. The "cabanes de teula" are square or rectangular constructions with dry stone walls and Arabic tile roofs.

Regarding water management, the most characteristic elements in Catalonia are the "basses", "cisternes i aljubs", and "cogulles". Basses are open-air sedimentary deposits, generally circular, with a dry stone side wall and a clay base. The "cisternes i aljubs" are more advanced tanks, buried and covered, with a closed cabin for water extraction. Finally, the "cogulles" are rectangular-shaped deposits excavated in rock.

Valencian Community

The Sierra de Enguera"), located in the extreme southwest of the province of Valencia, constitutes the last reliefs of the Iberian System, sharing this category with the Sierra de La Plana (Enguera, Valencia). To the south of these reliefs, the first pre-Betic elevations are represented by the Serra Grossa "Sierra Grossa (Province of Valencia)"), in the region of La Costera, Valencia.

In Enguera and to a lesser extent in the surrounding municipalities, the most widely spread typology of dry stone construction is the "cucos", equivalent to chozos, cubillos, bombos, barracas, among others, in other geographical regions.

According to the definition of Castellano Castillo (2001, 23), the cuckoo stands as a characteristic and defining element of the Enguerino agricultural landscape. It is a construction that is erected on small and medium-sized dryland farms, far from the urban area. In the cuckoo, the practical aspect prevails over any other, with the aesthetic value considered as an addition, generally not intentionally sought by the builder.

Unlike similar constructions in other regions, the cucos in Enguera function as shelters linked to agricultural cycles. They are used as protection against inclement weather and at times when agricultural work requires a more constant presence of the farmer on the farm, making trips to the urban center impractical due to its remoteness. The dry stone technique is also used in the construction of roads (terraces), piles, wells, barracks and bridges.

Murcia Region

In Murcia, the practice of the dry stone construction technique faces the threat of disappearance. With the aim of highlighting this worrying reality, the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage of the Region began, in 2022, the process for the declaration of Assets of Cultural Interest (BIC) of an intangible nature, providing support for the dry stone construction technique.

This architectural tradition covers distinctive buildings and elements that are distributed from the Altiplano de Murcia to the Campo de Cartagena area. Among them, emblematic examples such as the cucos of Jumilla and Seca stand out. In addition to these buildings, there are other architectural structures, such as runoffs, snow wells, paths and lasts that stabilize the soil, playing a crucial role in supporting dryland crops and thus contributing to combating desertification.

The presence of dry stone constructions is also evident in the Ricote Valley area in the region of Murcia. Along the course of the Segura River, this technique is closely linked to municipalities such as Cieza, Abarán, Blanca, Ricote, Ojós, Villanueva") and Archena.