November 13, 2013

Global Seminars & Invited Speaker Series

AROUND CULTURAL HERITAGE. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The cultural heritage dimension from the local councils' perspective

D. Manuel Motilva Albericio.
coordinator Cultural Director of the City Council of Tudela

The FORAL LAW 14/2005, of November 22, of the Cultural Patrimony of Navarre is the framework of reference letter for the conservation of the Patrimony. In his article 4 the specific competitions of the city councils are gathered in the subject emphasizing, for his importance, the essay of the Urbanistic Catalogues of Protection and the essay of Special Plans of Protection,subject this one that the city councils advanced already from the first years eighties, as democratic answer to the urbanistic outrages of previous years, although they have not been exempt from polemic performances.

In relation to the city of Tudela, there is a brief description of the properties declared of Immovable Cultural Interest (the Monuments: Cathedral, -since 1884-, Church of La Magdalena, Monreal Tower, Palace of the Marquis of Huarte and Palace of the Marquis of San Adrián; the Historical Complex of Tudela and the Archaeological Zone of the Castle and Mount of Santa Bárbara), and the Movable BIC's, (Chalice-Copone of La Magdalena, High Altarpiece of the Cathedral, Cathedral Organ, Altarpiece of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza of the Cathedral, Altarpiece of Santa Catalina of the Cathedral, High Altarpiece of La Magdalena, High Altarpiece of the Dominicas and the Chariot of the Marquis of San Adrián).
 

The cathedral of Tudela is listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) in the category of monument.
 

In the conservation of the city's heritage, the following buildings have been refurbished and put to use for different services since 1983: Jesuit Convent, Castel Ruiz- building, for Centro Cultura; Palacio de Huarte for Library Services and file; Palacio de San Adrián for UNED and Language School; City Hall; Palacio Decanal for Diocesan Museum, file Ecclesiastical and Church House; Casa de Misericordia for AC chain Hotel; Palacio de Veráiz for Muñoz Sola Museum; Cathedral; and Casa del Almirante for María Forcada Foundation. There are still important buildings or significant places pending rehabilitation (such as the controversy in which the Convent of San Francisco is currently being considered for rehabilitation as a House of Culture), and even for protection, such as the Cabezo Malla, eloquent scene of the Battle of Tudela in 1808, so that it does not happen as in certain cases in which the monument has even disappeared, such as the baroque Palace of Montesa.

Rehabilitating the heritage is not only an initial investment because the real cost is in the subsequent maintenance, which usually falls on the municipalities themselves. Therefore, it is particularly important to indicate the purpose and service of the building, so that"...it develops a public activity in accordance with its cultural values, favors its conservation and promotes its knowledge and appreciation", as stated in article 93.1 of the aforementioned Foral Law and which has been fulfilled in the buildings that have been rehabilitated to date.

The municipalities have difficulties in undertaking large rehabilitation works, but they can undertake heritage protection actions more affordable to their Economics and of a very popular nature, such as the acquisition of artistic or bibliographic heritage and undertake multiple actions for the dissemination of heritage, particularly intangible heritage, proceeding to initiate proceedings for the Declaration of Festivals of Local Interest, such as those already declared La Bajada del Ángel, El Volatín and Las Fiestas de Santa Ana, and protecting and stimulating the 'improvement' of others such as the Jewish and Muslim cultural heritage, other local festivals and pilgrimages and exalting certain genuinely local products, such as the Vegetables of Tudela.
 

The Descent of the Angel is part of the intangible heritage of Tudela.