Granite landscapes and landforms in the Castro de Ulaca site (Ávila, Spain): A narrow relationship between natural and cultural heritage

Abstract

Geomorphology is the link between natural and cultural heritage, so the geomorphological map is a useful tool for inventorying landforms and its management. In this paper, a Castro de Ulaca geomorphological map at 1:20,000 scale has been designed, focused on granite landforms and based on bibliographical and cartographic review followed by systematic field work in the Ulaca site and around. It shows a mastery of granite landforms and their relationship with cultural elements, as well as the adaptation of the society to the geomorphological conditions. The twelve granite landforms represented are not relevant in a national or regional scale, but they are of local importance as they represent the links between geomorphology and the archaeological elements present in Ulaca. It is essential to incorporate geomorphological elements in the management of cultural spaces, to guarantee their protection from visitors, as well as to ensure the survival and use of this cultural service for local population.