Balancing authenticity and adaptation : Conservation strategies for the medieval walls of Montblanc

Sammanfattning

Thesis investigates how recent conservation efforts on the southern medieval walls o fMontblanc negotiate the tensions between heritage preservation, tourism and urban development. The study focuses on the Sant Francesc portal and its adjacent tower. It combinesa literature review, case studies, and stratigraphic and architectural field analyses to reveal a clear shift from purely aesthetic restorations toward minimal, reversible interventions that respect the original stratigraphy and enhance public access. While the reconstructed Sant Francesc tower highlights persistent conflicts between visual coherence and material authenticity, overall findings highlight the need for urban‐planning strategies that prioritise community engagement, clear differentiation between new and old and promote sustainable heritage tourism, ensuring the walls remain both authentic and integral to the living urban fabric of Montblanc.