Abstract
Abstract. This paper analyses the outstanding universal values, integrity, and authenticity of the city of Gracias (Honduras), as well as its protection and heritage management tools. The main objective is to demonstrate that Gracias meets the UNESCO requirements to qualify as a candidate for inclusion in the International List of the World Heritage Convention (1971). Gracias is a colonial Spanish city, founded in 1536, in the region of Lempira. It had great productive, strategic and administrative importance in Central America, demonstrated in part by its hosting of the ‘Audiencia de los Confines’. The ‘Audiencia’ was the highest court of the Spanish Crown with jurisdiction over the current republics of Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and the region of Chiapas. The aim of this court was to represent the interests of the indigenous people in these areas. An on-site analysis, diagnosis and assessment of the heritage elements was carried out from architectural, urban planning, historical, and intangible heritage perspectives. Additionally, other similar sites in Central America have been analysed for comparison. Results show that this city meets criterion iv of the World Heritage Convention: ‘an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history’. Furthermore, the city´s heritage assets are well-preserved and most of them remain functional; the indigenous culture is alive; and planning, conservation and managing tools are in use. Currently, Gracias maintains its harmony and life and its respect for the natural environment, creating a cultural landscape that has been maintained for almost 500 years.
Highlights
The historic colonial centre probably represents one of the most important cultural heritage resources of Latin America
Historic colonial centres have often been nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS), demonstrating international acknowledgement that heritage sites with significant importance should be protected in order to prevent the loss of cultural and natural significance
This paper focuses on the analysis of the city of Gracias, Honduras to consider and answer the question of whether it meets the conditions required of a property in order to be deemed of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) (UNESCO Word Heritage Centre, 2011); integrity and/or authenticity, along with heritage protection and management tools to ensure its safeguarding
Summary
The historic colonial centre probably represents one of the most important cultural heritage resources of Latin America. These are generally well preserved remains of ancient Spanish or other European countries, often forming the essence of a city's urban identity and in many cases of outstanding universal value. They represent a useful starting point for coordinating action to revitalize the heritage and to recognize its potential in terms of cultural value and in terms of functional, economic or social values. Inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List can ensure the long-term preservation of the sites, and often facilitates translation of these issues into local, social, and urban policies with regards to the concerns of their inhabitants
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
