The Palmeral of Elche: an urban irrigation landscape

The Palmeral of Elche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southeast Spain, exemplifies the ingenious integration of Arab agricultural techniques to create a sustainable urban oasis. This study reveals that the 10th-century palm grove was designed not only for aesthetic beauty but as a functional system to stabilize soil, reduce water evaporation through shading, and shield crops from wind, thereby enhancing irrigation efficiency—a critical innovation for local agriculture and urban development. The research reexamines the grove's evolution, from its Arab origins through Christian conquest in the 13th century to modern transformations that shifted its focus away from agriculture. It also addresses contemporary challenges in preserving this unique landscape, particularly since its UNESCO designation in 2000, highlighting the need for adaptive conservation strategies to balance heritage protection with ecological and cultural sustainability.

Ballesteros Huesca, M. (2015). The Palmeral of Elche: an urban irrigation landscape. E-Phaïstos, IV(2), 36–48. https://doi.org/10.4000/ephaistos.742