The vaults with intercrossed arches of the keep of the castle of Villena (Bilyana) Spain. Formal and constructive analysis

Abstract

This paper deals with the study of the two vaults with intercrossed arches of the keep of Atalaya castle of Villena (Spain). The lower part of the tower corresponds, quite possibly, with the Almohad phase, of the late 12th century. It is built with thick tapia walls, whose two interior rooms are covered with vaults with brick intercrossed arches. The geometry and tracing of the vaults and ribs belong to the tradition of this type of vaulting, characteristic of andalusí architecture. The research is based on a methodology that interrelates: precise geometric survey, stratigraphic readings, definition of construction techniques and collection of samples for dating and characterization of the materials used. The main contribution of this paper is the methodology that raises the need to study the construction system and the process followed in the execution, of a typology based primarily on morphological aspects, but undervalued in relation with the constructive features.