The ancient main water distribution box from Seville´s Real Alcazar (Spain). New additions to its knowledge and conservation

Keywords: box water, Seville´s Real Alcazar, aqueduct, Hydraulic engineer

Abstract

The central supplying water system from Sevilla´s Real Alcazar was an aqueduct built in 1172. This article shows the discovery of a main water distribution box at the end of the aqueduct. In the XVII century, the box constituted a sluice-gate system that allowed water distribution to the palace, garden and orchards. In the absence of historical references and starting from archaeological precedents, the topographical study and the hydraulic heights, rejects the traditional hypothesis of it being located in Water Tower. The remains of the aqueduct have allowed us to discover and confirm their precise location. Its operation is explained, and a hypothesis is created about its possible renovations. The graphic design made lets us guarantee the long-term conservation of hydraulic infrastructure, facilitating its interpretation while allowing us to give it its deserved value.

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Author Biographies

Candela Bandres Mariscal, University of Seville

Technical architect, Building Engineer and master's degree in Architecture and Historical Heritage. Currently within the Phd program of Architecture. He was an interim substitute for five years in the Department of Architectural Construction II of the Higher Technical School of Building Engineering. The research activity carried out focuses on the field of medieval hydraulic architecture.

Antonio Albardonedo Freire, Sevilla University

Doctor in History of Art. Full Professor of History of Art at the Universidad de Sevilla. He has published numerous books, articles and directed various theses. He has participated in 4 research projects subject to competitive calls, 3 Projects I + D of the National Plan; a European Project of the Charisma Molab convocation, together with the CNRS of the Louvre, France, and the CNR of Italy.

Miguel Angel Tabales Rodríguez, Sevilla University

Doctor in History, Archeology Section from the University of Seville. Professor of the University School. Professor of Construction History and Archeology and Construction in the Department of Architectural Constructions II of the Higher Technical School of Building Engineering. He is responsible for the archaeological research project of the Real Alcázar of Seville since 1997. He is the author of numerous books, articles and contributions to congresses focused on the Archeology of Architecture.

Maria Robador Gonzalez, Sevilla University

Doctor of Architecture from the University of Seville. Professor of Construction Materials in the Department of Architectural Constructions II of the Higher Technical School of Building Engineering. Professor at the University of Restoration and Materials in the area of Architectural Constructions. She has participated in eight research projects subject to competitive calls, five of them as principal investigator.

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Published
2022-03-12
How to Cite
Bandres Mariscal, C., Albardonedo Freire, A., Tabales Rodriguez, M. A., & Robador Gonzalez, M. D. (2022). The ancient main water distribution box from Seville´s Real Alcazar (Spain). New additions to its knowledge and conservation. Ge-Conservacion, 21(1), 129-140. https://doi.org/10.37558/gec.v21i1.1069