The Alhambra master plan (2007-2020) as a strategic model of preventive conservation of cultural heritage

Abstract

The preventive conservation of cultural assets involves a strategy to analyse and control the factors which cause their deterioration. The main aim is to guarantee their stability and the sustainable maintenance. The Alhambra and Generalife Site has been exposed to numerous risk factors over time which have left their mark on its fabric. On some occasions these have had serious effects which now present significant challenges for the comprehensive conservation of assets at the Site. During the twentieth century the Alhambra became a preserve for which a set of conservation and maintenance plans were developed, the first of which was the Special Protection and Interior Reform Plan for the Alhambra and Alijares (1987). Subsequently, the current Alhambra Master Plan (2007-2020) was instigated. This paper examines the plan’s innovative methodological approach and its proposals regarding preventive conservation in circumstances under which its location precipitates natural and anthropic risks, and which are specific to its history and physical condition, its fragile materials and increased pressures on it from mass tourism.