Restoration of the Andalusí wall of the Alcazaba Antigua (Ancient Citadel) of Granada (Cuesta de Alhacaba area)

Abstract

[EN] The primitive Andalusí wall of the Alcazaba Antigua of Granada was strengthened on the northern side by means of the construction of further outer wall, parallel to the existing one, in the area just next to the Cuesta de Alhacaba. This new wall, of a larger size than the inner one, was 350 m long, stretching between Puerta del Ensanche (Bab al-Ziyada) and Puerta Monaita (Bab al-Unaydar), with fourteen intermediate towers. It was built by means of tapia calicostrada (lime-crusted rammed earth) walls. In some towers and panels the original parapets and crenellations have been maintained. This part of the wall was subjected to consolidation and restoration in the period 2002-2006. The purpose of this work was to recover the structural safety and to facilitate observation of the original elements that have been preserved, and of contributions of previous interventions, while undergoing minimum changes in the visual image of the walls.