Brihuega has secured funding through the 2% Cultural programme to restore its historic wall and open the walkway, known as the camino de ronda, to the public. The total investment for this project amounts to €401,790.35, with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda contributing €301,342, which represents 75% of the total budget, while the local council will provide the remaining €100,447.59.
This initiative aims to restore the northwestern section of the walled enclosure, consolidating its structure and enhancing the safety of adjacent homes. The project, designed by Lavila Arquitectos, will allow for the restoration of a previously untouched section of the wall and create a visitable route between the towers, expanding the tourist appeal of the historic site.
Planned works include the improvement of the interior elevation and the installation of safety features such as railings and handrails, ensuring visitor safety while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the historic ensemble. This restoration is particularly significant for local residents, as the deterioration of the wall has led to debris falling into the patios of nearby homes. Strengthening the structure will address these safety concerns and enhance the preservation of the wall.
According to Brihuega's mayor, Luis Viejo, this funding represents “another important step in a long-term effort we have been undertaking for years. It is not about isolated interventions but about progressively recovering our heritage, preserving it for future generations, and ensuring it is part of the life of our residents and the cultural and tourist appeal of Brihuega.”
Significant investment in cultural heritage
The latest grant continues a trend of investment in Brihuega's cultural heritage, bringing the total to €2.55 million across four projects since 2016. The first funding was awarded for the restoration of the Castillo de la Piedra Bermeja, with an investment of €900,000, of which €648,000 came from the Ministry and €252,000 from the local council. This initial project advanced the restoration of the Noble Hall and the Chapel of Vera Cruz, recovering spaces of significant historical value.
In 2018, further funding supported a project for the Real Fábrica de Paños, amounting to €543,000, financed by €380,100 from the Ministry and €162,900 from municipal contributions. The third grant, awarded in 2020 for the Castillo de la Piedra Bermeja, totalled €706,297.06, with €466,156.06 from the state and €240,141 from local funds, focusing on the restoration of the wall and associated structures.
With the inclusion of the new project for the northwestern section of the wall, the cumulative investment from these four initiatives will reach €2,551,087.41, comprising €1,795,598.82 from state funding and €755,488.59 from municipal contributions, pending final confirmation of the new grant.
Collaborative efforts for preservation
The provisional grant from the 2% Cultural programme complements other recent investments aimed at continuing the recovery of Brihuega's wall, a key element of the town's medieval heritage. Notably, the Provincial Council of Guadalajara has also initiated a project for the consolidation of a section of the wall beneath the bullring, which suffered from a collapse. This project has a budget of €305,705.17 and aims to ensure the stability of this part of the wall, independent of the current 2% Cultural funding.
The new grant is currently in provisional resolution, awaiting the completion of the necessary administrative procedures before final approval.
