Water architecture in the orchards of the monastery of el Escorial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54571/erdha.708Keywords:
El Escorial monastery, icehouse, pond, irrigation, orchards, heritageAbstract
The Monastery of El Escorial is a masterpiece of architecture that has attracted architects, artists, and historians for centuries. Although it has been widely studied, some of its elements have received less attention due to their smaller scale or lesser historical relevance.
This study examines key elements essential to the monastery’s functioning, such as the Real Nevero, the Estanque Grande, and the orchard irrigation system, all linked to water use and management. These infrastructures were fundamental to the monastery’s self-sufficiency, relying on the optimization of natural resources.
The research is based on fieldwork, on-site measurements, and the creation of previously unpublished graphic documentation, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the monastery’s functional heritage.
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