Xàtiva's Castle (Spain)-constructive analysis of rammed-earth walls and its interventions

Abstract

Along its extensive history, Xativa Castle (Valencia, Spain) has suffered numerous and systematic destructions. These destructions have been followed by a more or less intense reconstruction. The final result is an overlapping of Iberian, Roman, Moslem, and Christian structural walls and, more recent reconstruction, of the XVII, XVIII and XIX century. The extensions of these walls, and the remains of the towers and defensive elements, give a valuable constructive interest, due to the quantity and quality of examples of different types of structural walls. In general, a strong rammed earth was used in both the inner and outer core. During the last years, the interest in restoring the historical walls, has allowed many interventions on sections with greater necessity. This recovery has added value to very important sectors of the castle.