This afternoon at the MARQ, through the Didactic Unit of its Foundation, a very interesting Training Conference for Teachers begins: "Guardians of Stone. The castles of Alicante". A course directed by Dr. José Luis Menéndez and aimed primarily at active teachers who want to get to know the rich defensive heritage of our province, consisting of more than 230 castles, fortifications, coastal towers, towers of refuge, fortified houses, forts and batteries that confirm that Alicante has been a land forged by these guardians of stone and mud that zealously guard the memory of our history within its solid walls.
This conference aims to offer, in eight sessions, a rigorous content base for teachers on the fortifications and castles from the medieval period that are found in the province of Alicante, from the origin of their construction, their evolution over time to the present day of their remains and the projects and actions for their enhancement. Analysing the defensive systems generated by these stone guardians through their material remains is MARQ's second foray into this subject, after reviewing the fortifications of the Alicante coast in 2015. It is a question of approaching, through the eyes of the visitor, the researcher and the teacher, a unique and exceptional cultural heritage that differentiates us from other territories and, at the same time, unites us to the rest of the existing systems in the Mediterranean arc.
Throughout the course, updated information will be provided on recent research in this field, resolving myths, providing new developments and presenting all the keys to understanding this historical phenomenon with a long chronological history.
It will also provide information on the heritage situation of this complex, showing its current state, the legislation that applies to it, and the different proposals for activities that have already been carried out and others that can be carried out in the classroom that will help schoolchildren to get to know the castles of the province of Alicante. More information at www.marqalicante.com
