Conservation of Subterranean Caves and Wineries in El Cotarro, Burgos (Spain)
Conservation of Subterranean Caves and Wineries in El Cotarro, Burgos (Spain) by the Municipality of Moradillo de Roa (Europa Nostra Award 2020)
With the 2020 Europa Nostra Award recognition was granted to El Cotarro, selecting over 157 underground wineries and 7 cave wineries in the small town of Moradillo de Roa in the province of Burgos (Castilla-León). Many of these wineries have subterranean cellars carved out of stone and can be found on the hill of the Church of San Pedro. The earliest records of these wineries can be traced back to 1550. Despite the continuing survival of the winemaking tradition, many of these caves were poorly conserved and water ingress had resulted in serious issues. A survey was carried out on the geological features and different constructions in the area in an attempt to resolve the problem of water management in the wineries. This identified how the rainwater circulated through the hillside. Workers could then solve issues relating to the accumulation of water, which had previously caused leaks and landslides. Local winery owners set up a Commission for Maintenance and Conservation to coordinate efforts to revitalise the area. Original materials and techniques were used throughout to preserve the original character of the heritage.
Apart from the great lengths gone to in restoring the wine caves, the most important aspect of this conservation project was the revitalization of the surrounding community in this rural setting, who still enjoy a deep connection to their heritage. There has been an active campaign to raise awareness, prominently featured on social media and using carefully devised audiovisual material. A 3D virtual tour of one of the wineries has also been created. Visitors have the chance to learn about traditional winemaking methods, enjoying guided tours of the wineries and underground caves. The jury considered this project to be a wonderful example of a response to the issue of rural decline, present throughout Europe. The conservation of a cultural landscape, including tangible and intangible heritage, has been guaranteed through the conservation of the subterranean caves, just the existing traditional winemaking techniques have revitalised traditional crafts. Completely owned, implemented and funded by the local community and volunteers, the community has sustained its heritage attracting locals and tourists alike.
Brief analysis of the case:
This is a large group of wineries that maintains a strong relationship with the village, both physically and in terms of cultural identification. The intervention has been carried out by the local community that owns the cellars in a process of conservation, repair and structural consolidation that has led to the recovery of the complex. The work has been carried out using traditional materials and techniques thanks to the work of the local community and the volunteers who have participated in the process. The work has respected the authenticity of a cultural landscape in both its material and immaterial values and has sought to ensure the durability of the complex and its permanence thanks to actions to protect the caves from water ingress and increasing deterioration. The activity, in which the local community has been extensively involved, has been an example of sustainability in all environmental, socio-cultural and socio-economic aspects.