Religious and military spaces in the transformation of Catalan cities in 19th century

Abstract

Church and army properties have played a key role in shaping most European cities. In Spanish cities this influence has been, if anything, even more decisive. Firstly because of the large presence convents and monasteries had in the inner cities after the counter reform. Secondly due to the complex political transition of 19th century Spain, both the Church and the military maintained a strong influence which lasted well into the 20th century. By studying Barcelona and other Catalan cities, the consequences that the long process of secularization had in their urban morphology are analysed. On one hand, population growth led to the demolition or reutilisation of many of these buildings. On the other hand, conservation consciousness introduced the discussion on the need to preserve the most important buildings. The solutions adopted varied according to each context.