Constructive and structural analysis of the coastal batteries at La Chira Beach (Peru)

Abstract

[EN] The Viceroyalty of Peru, a territorial linchpin within the expansive Spanish Empire during the colonial epoch in South America, prominently featured Lima as its capital and the strategically vital port of Callao. Despite the formidable presence of the Real Felipe Fortress in Callao, this territory found itself besieged by an array of foreign threats, a testament to its undeniable strategic significance. This comprehensive research plunges into the intricate tapestry of the defensive strategies devised by the Viceroyalty of Peru, stretching from the early waves of pirate attacks in the 17th century to the ominous spectre of British threats looming in the early 19th century. Of particular note is the pivotal role played by Viceroy Abascal, who stood as a bulwark against independence movements and incursions from Buenos Aires. Viceroy Abascal's meticulous strategy manifested in the fortification of military defences in Lima, the fortification of the port of Callao, and the vigilant safeguarding of the Peruvian coast. This strategic vision reached its zenith with the erection of coastal batteries on La Chira Beach, a historical endeavour that, regrettably, has largely escaped widespread recognition to this day. The coastal batteries at La Chira Beach not only stand as tangible relics of military architecture during the Viceroyalty of Peru but also embody a strategic adaptation to the specific geographical conditions of the region. Their historical and strategic importance accentuates the pressing need to implement measures that transcend mere preservation, actions that are essential to maintaining their structural integrity. This research, far from being a mere scholarly exercise, plays a pivotal role in securing recognition for these structures as irreplaceable components of historical heritage, thus illuminating the annals of the region's history and cultural identity in a more profound and nuanced light. The study embarks on an exhaustive examination of the coastal batteries at La Chira, with the explicit goal of enriching our understanding of the 19th century coastal defence system within the Viceroyalty of Peru. Leveraging advanced methodologies such as photogrammetry and geographic information systems (GIS), the research facilitates a meticulous analysis of the architectural intricacies and spatial planning of these batteries, alongside an assessment of their current state of preservation. Extending beyond the boundaries of academia, this study extends a compelling invitation to the broader research and cultural community to delve into the exploration of the coastal batteries at La Chira. Simultaneously, it issues an impassioned plea to cultural authorities, urging them to promptly implement measures to preserve and officially acknowledge these structures as an integral facet of the architectural legacy of the Viceroyalty of Peru. The absence of timely intervention not only exposes these historical structures to the tangible risk of deteriorati

[ES] El virreinato del Perú, pieza fundamental en el Imperio Español, se caracterizó por su capital, Lima, y el estratégico puerto del Callao. A pesar de la presencia de la Fortaleza del Real Felipe en el Callao, el territorio enfrentó numerosas amenazas extranjeras. Esta investigación explora los planes defensivos del virreinato desde los primeros ataques piratas en el siglo XVII hasta las amenazas británicas del siglo XIX, con énfasis en el papel del virrey Abascal en la defensa contra movimientos independentistas y ataques enemigos desde Buenos Aires. La estrategia del virrey Abascal se centró en fortalecer las defensas militares en Lima, el Callao y proteger la costa peruana, dando lugar a la construcción de las baterías de costa en la playa La Chira. Estas baterías constituyen un testimonio invaluable de la arquitectura militar virreinal. La investigación no solo contribuye al reconocimiento de estas estructuras como parte del patrimonio histórico, sino que también proporciona una comprensión de la historia y la identidad cultural de la región. El estudio busca enriquecer la comprensión del sistema defensivo costero del siglo XIX empleando herramientas avanzadas como fotogrametría y sistemas de información geográfica (SIG) para analizar la arquitectura y planificación de las baterías, así como evaluar su estado actual. Este estudio invita a la comunidad académica a explorar a fondo estas baterías de costa e insta a las autoridades culturales a actuar para preservarlas y reconocerlas oficialmente como parte integral del patrimonio del Perú. La falta de acción no solo arriesga la pérdida de estas estructuras históricas, sino también priva al país de una comprensión más completa de su pasado. La preocupación sobre el estado de conservación es apremiante, ya que, a pesar de resistir las inclemencias del tiempo durante dos siglos, su deterioro se ha acelerado por la intervención humana.