Abstract
The construction and use of subterranean caves for different functions has been relatively commonplace throughout history in different regions around the world, especially in the Mediterranean basin. Some of them are still standing at the beginning of the 21st century, and are a good example of adaptation to the geographic environment, and a part of the historical heritage. Following a short overview of the different Mediterranean countries, this work pays special attention to the present use of caves as dwelling spaces in Italy, and particularly in Spain where the caves are currently in an interesting process of renovation to meet the needs of the present population. This process is helping to boost the local economy, and it is funded by both private and public sources in several towns in Andalusia (Spain).
Highlights
The excavation of subterranean areas has been relatively common throughout Human History, having developed a wide range of functions, chief among them mining, water transportation, product and tool storage, and as places of worship, cemeteries, and more frequently as human dwellings, making the excavated home a typical popular construction and a relevant element within the rural landscape which reflects the cultural heritage of its dwellers
In the present work we present a synthesis of a number of previous studies on the cave dwellings, alongside a new study carried out by the authors about the present and prospective status of these homes
At the start of the XXI century there remain only a few inhabited caves in some regions: Aragon, Pais Valenciano, Murcia, Castilla la Mancha and Canarias, with Andalusia leading as the region with the greatest number of cave dwellings in Spain (50% of all caves in of all caves in the country in the 1960s). since that time, the significance of cave dwellings has waned, and since the end of the last century distribution of the caves has been very unequal across the various provinces (Lassaosa, 1987): Grenade (82%), Jaen (8%), Cadiz (3%), Seville (1,4%) and Cordoba (0,6%)
Summary
The excavation of subterranean areas has been relatively common throughout Human History, having developed a wide range of functions, chief among them mining, water transportation, product and tool storage, and as places of worship, cemeteries, and more frequently as human dwellings, making the excavated home a typical popular construction and a relevant element within the rural landscape which reflects the cultural heritage of its dwellers. Multiple variables converge into its genesis and maintenance, among which environment, lifestyle and economical activity are of particular importance. The extent of these dwellings has been notable across several geographic areas. In the present work we present a synthesis of a number of previous studies on the cave dwellings, alongside a new study carried out by the authors about the present and prospective status of these homes
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