Gunpowder factory, Villafeliche
CURRENT PROTECTION STATUS:
TYPE OF ASSET: Intangible
CATEGORY:
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE:
CONSTRUCTION DATE:
TYPE OF ASSET: Intangible
CATEGORY:
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE:
CONSTRUCTION DATE:
Villafeliche boasted the only Royal Factory in Aragon, where nearly 200 mills existed in the 18th century. This manufacturing model was exported to new factories in the Philippines, Mexico and Peru. Sulfur from Libros and Villel was used. The manufacturing process required sulfur, charcoal and saltpeter, and was carried out at the Factory’s water-powered mills.
During the second siege of Zaragoza in the Peninsular War, the powder supplied to Palafox’s army was highly important. By the mid-19th century, production was halted by royal order of Fernando VII, thus banning powder manufacturing and converting it into a “stockpile asset” like tobacco, salt or saltpeter. After that time, powder-makers went underground.
There are numerous documentary references such as the document/report by Joseph Campillo, director of the Royal Gunpowder Factory of Villafeliche and the reference by Pascual Madoz, which reflects the decline of the powder industry in Villafeliche.
During the second siege of Zaragoza in the Peninsular War, the powder supplied to Palafox’s army was highly important. By the mid-19th century, production was halted by royal order of Fernando VII, thus banning powder manufacturing and converting it into a “stockpile asset” like tobacco, salt or saltpeter. After that time, powder-makers went underground.
There are numerous documentary references such as the document/report by Joseph Campillo, director of the Royal Gunpowder Factory of Villafeliche and the reference by Pascual Madoz, which reflects the decline of the powder industry in Villafeliche.
Interventions
Restoration, 20th to 21st century
From 2000-2002 the restoration of the temple tower was carried out, sponsored by the Provincial Government of Zaragoza, the Zaragoza Diocese and the Villafeliche City Council. The investment amounted to 120,202 euros.
From 2000-2002 the restoration of the temple tower was carried out, sponsored by the Provincial Government of Zaragoza, the Zaragoza Diocese and the Villafeliche City Council. The investment amounted to 120,202 euros.
Declarations
Declaration, 21st century
On December 14, 2001, the 25th Official Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Helsinki (Finland) resolved to recognize and declare the Mudejar architecture of Aragon as World Heritage.
The Official Gazette of Aragon dated August 9, 2002 published the Department of Culture and Tourism Order of July 1, 2002 declaring the tower of the church of San Miguel Arcángel in Villafeliche (Zaragoza) a Listed Asset of Aragonese Cultural Heritage.
On December 14, 2001, the 25th Official Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Helsinki (Finland) resolved to recognize and declare the Mudejar architecture of Aragon as World Heritage.
The Official Gazette of Aragon dated August 9, 2002 published the Department of Culture and Tourism Order of July 1, 2002 declaring the tower of the church of San Miguel Arcángel in Villafeliche (Zaragoza) a Listed Asset of Aragonese Cultural Heritage.
Bibliography
NAVARRO TRALLERO, PEDRO JOAQUÍN (COORD.). Restauración del Patrimonio Histórico en la Provincia de Zaragoza, Diputación de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 2003.
SANMIGUEL MATEO, AGUSTÍN. “El arte mudéjar”, en Comarca de la Comunidad de Calatayud, Colección Territorio 20, Zaragoza, 2005.
VV.AA. Recuperación de un patrimonio. Restauraciones en la provincia, Diputación de Zaragoza, 1987, pp. 191-192.
Gunpowder factory
50391 Villafeliche (Zaragoza)
Visit Villefeliche
City Hall www.villafelicheturismo.es WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE? www.turismodezaragoza.es
