Abstract
This study outlines the results and the evolution of the research and analysis of watchtowers scattered throughout the territory close to the Jucar River basin, in Cuenca, Spain. In particular the research focuses on the Tower of Piqueras (Piqueras del Castillo), the Tower of Barrachina (Villar del Humo), the Tower of Valhermoso (Valhermoso de la Fuente), the Tower of Solera (Solera de Gabaldón), the Tower of Chumillas (Chumillas), the Tower of Barchín (Barchín del Hoyo), the Tower of Alcalá (Alcalá de la Vega), the Tower of Olmeda (Olmeda del Rey), the Tower of Mulatón (Buenache de Alarcón), the Tower of Santiago (Honrubia) and the of Tower Gascas (Gascas).
The foundation of the research is in the tracing of the socio-economic and cultural technique linked to the Medieval Municipal Charters (Fuero de Cuenca 1180-1210). A complex area of study, due to the great influences of the many cultures that habited this area (Iberians, Visigoths, Romans, Muslims or Christians). Consequently the research establishes the main features that link the origin of these towers to important references, such as the architecture of repopulation and vernacular architecture, in a defined chronological and geographical setting. The research focuses on 11 historical buildings, from an introductory regional vision to individual detailed analysis. To this end, on the one hand an analysis of a wide geographical area (2.739 km2) has been carried out, using the DSM system (Digital Soil Mapping) and GIS technology. On the other hand the research has focused on indirect sources (such as cartography or the consultation of historical documents) and on direct sources, such as in situ building surveys.
This analysis has generated an exhaustive collection of geographical, territorial, metrical and constructive data. Thanks to the results of the territorial study, the collation of constructive features and the analysis of stone and wooden samples it has been possible to extract information reflecting both semantic-symbolic and material-technical aspects. At the same time, thanks to all these results, it has been possible to understand the historical context and the reasons behind the building of the iconic constructions of the region. Finally the purpose of the research has been to define a complete cultural and technological scene, until now anonymous; and to ensure the conservation and the value of these watchtowers, scattered throughout a vast territory.