CHERA CASTLE
Belen Ilarri Studio
ARCHITECTS
Belen Ilarri Studio
ARCHITECT
Belen Ilarri
YEAR
2025
LOCATION
Chera, Spain
CATEGORY
Restoration
English description provided by the architects.
The project involves the restoration of a castle, designated as a Cultural Heritage Site, located in the Chera-Sot de Chera Natural Park, Valencia.
This 12th-century structure, from the Almohad period, fell into ruin over successive historical periods and was definitively abandoned at the beginning of the 19th century.
Consolidating the ruin through a romantic approach becomes the central focus of our proposal, following the premise of "removing more than adding" and prioritizing preservation over reconstruction.
RESPECT AS A KEY VECTOR
The intervention prioritized respecting the site's historical essence, embracing an approach centered on "not acting" to preserve the ruin's authenticity and ensure the traces of time remain visible and intact.
Through meticulous cleaning and subtly integrated reconstructions, the methodology employs construction techniques that faithfully replicate the original elements.
This approach not only preserves the marks of time but also enables a clear storytelling: how it was built, rebuilt, and how it became a ruin.
Archaeological excavations have played a crucial role in uncovering the origins of the castle, partially collapsed and buried under its own ruin and a layer of earth accumulated over centuries of wars and conquests.
A CONSCIOUS RECONSTRUCTION
The project is complemented by the use of local, non-invasive materials such as rammed earth concrete and masonry made from the excavated soil and stones from the ruins themselves.
A contemporary intervention, distinct yet perfectly harmonious, seamlessly integrated with the monument through the use of materials sourced from its surroundings.
A meticulous execution that consolidates the structure while achieving organic mimicry, reinforcing the connection between past and present. The end result preserves the historical and aesthetic value of the castle without compromising its legacy.
