Magdalena Merlos | The Cultural Landscape of Aranjuez: Knowing the Past to Face the Future

The typological and functional complexity of the Cultural Landscape of Aranjuez, a World Heritage Site since 2001, requires a deep understanding of its origin and evolution for its protection, maintenance, and use. Aranjuez was created in the 16th century as a self-sustaining place, based on the balance between production and leisure: upon a complete hydraulic system of reservoirs, dams, and canals, nature was shaped and structured as a large-scale garden. Managing such a heritage site demands harmonising current constraints and threats with the hydraulic, technical, and agricultural traditions that have been perpetuated for centuries. And who better to shed light on such a fascinating and extraordinary case than the author of its Management Plan and Focal Point for the World Heritage Centre (UNESCO).

Cycle of lectures Gardens: the Future of History
FLORA and UCO propose a series of lectures to disseminate knowledge and historical research on gardens and their changing social significance through the centuries.

This edition brings a special focus: using knowledge of the past to better address the challenges of valuing, recovering, managing, and making use of a complex heritage such as horticulture—both natural and cultural heritage at once. The best ideas to face the future may emerge from a mental stroll along lost, or simply forgotten, paths between the parterres of great palace gardens or the flowerpots of our ancestors’ patios.

All activities marked with the icon can be translated into sign language. For more information and reservations, please write to:
inclusivosydiversosilse@gmail.com