The allure of fortifications : the many meanings and significance of the military architecture heritage in today’s world

Abstract

Until only a few decades ago, many of the structures which today form the focus of so much attention were not even considered ‘cultural’ enough or worthy of both study and preservation. As late as 1977, J. R. Hale, the renowned renaissance fortification historian, could still write that ‘in the main stream of architectural history, fortifications [were] accorded but a fitful or embarrassed attention’. Fortunately, however, the situation has changed over the past years and there is now no denying the fact that interest in historical castles and fortifications has increased significantly. A cursory search on the internet is enough to reveal the myriad of papers, articles, books and dedicated journals that are published each year on this subject and the extensive number of websites and organizations that have sprung up all around the world to promote the conservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic forts and fortifications. The last few decades have also seen hundreds of defensive works being restored and opened up to the public across the world, attracting an ever-increasing and discerning class of visitors intent on experiencing and exploring these intriguing monuments from the past.