The objectives of the conference, taking place on November 7 and 8, are to promote defensive heritage by highlighting the history, construction features and development of castles, fortresses and military architecture in Aragon and Spain; to deepen historical research by debating and analyzing specific topics related to fortifications; and to showcase local heritage while making use of Calatorao's castle and medieval surroundings.
Organized by Iniciativa Cultural Barbacana together with the Association for the Recovery of the Castles of Aragon, the conference will address the activation of Monaragón Castle, restorations in the provinces of Teruel and Zaragoza, work on the castles of Jarque de Moncayo and Monreal de Ariza, the restoration of Calatorao Castle, and a planned visit to Ricla Castle. Outside the region, specifically in Guadalajara, the restorations carried out at Palazuelos Castle will also be discussed.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
The activities preceding the conference will take place on Thursday, November 5, and will consist of visits to Calatorao's medieval surroundings: the castle, barbican, the passageway of the Fuente de las Escaleras and the Mudejar mosque. These visits will be offered to schools and cultural associations in Ricla, this year's guest town.
On Saturday, November 7, the opening ceremony will take place at 10:00, followed by the lecture "Montearagón Castle: Activating a Recovered Heritage Asset," given by Darío Español, a professor at the University of Zaragoza. It will be followed by "On-site visit to Ricla Castle: An element undergoing rehabilitation and study," presented by Pedro Bel and the team of architects and archaeologists.
In the afternoon, starting at 16:00, four lectures are scheduled: "Recent rehabilitation work on fortifications in Teruel province," by Javier Ibáñez and Rubén Sáez of Arcatur Teruel; "The castles of Jarque de Moncayo, Monreal de Ariza and Montearagón: A chronicle of the restoration processes," by architects José María Sanz, Sergio Izquierdo and Javier Sanz; "Excavations and rehabilitation work in Zaragoza province," by Francisco Javier Gutiérrez of ArqueoGuti S.L.; and "Recent interventions at Calatorao Castle," by Barbacana president Antonio Pérez.
The day will end at 20:00 with a performance by the "Aires de Aragón" rondalla and jota group.
On Sunday, November 8, at 10:30, José María Torres, secretary of the Spanish Association of Friends of Castles, is scheduled to give the lecture "An example of the restoration and rehabilitation of Palazuelos Castle in Guadalajara province." This will be followed by recognition of individuals and organizations that have supported the conference throughout its 25-year history.
At 12:00, Antonio Pérez and José Manuel Clúa will present "A 25-year history of the Aragonese Castle Studies Conference," followed by the closing ceremony. Finally, from 16:00 to 18:00, there will be an interior tour of Calatorao Castle and an open day for the general public.
