The document, dated November 25, 2025, responds to a direct consultation from the Seville City Council regarding the proposal to create the Interpretation Center of the Walled Enclosure of Seville (CIRAS) and to reclaim the space of the old Corral de las Herrerías, currently a degraded parking area.
While the Academy values the municipal initiative, the report points out substantial deficiencies in the proposed planning and architectural design. This stance aligns with concerns previously raised by the Provincial Heritage Commission, which led the Urban Planning management to consider the need for a new project for this significant heritage site.
“"The Academy firmly opposes this solution, arguing that it fragments a historically unitary and small-sized enclosure."
One of the most contentious points is the organization of the open space at Las Herrerías. The preliminary project proposes dividing the area into three parallel sectors: a "Wall Viewpoint," a "Green Plaza," and an "Open-Air Museum" with concrete boxes. The Academy, however, advocates for a more unified vision, suggesting a "citrus orchard or garden" that would not obstruct the view of the wall, recalling that such a garden linked to the Reales Alcázares was proposed as early as the time of Philip II.
Regarding the future CIRAS building, the report highlights a contradiction between its three-story interior configuration and a facade on Santander Street that attempts to simulate only two heights through blind openings. Furthermore, it laments the absence of a prior archaeological research campaign, warning that future excavation results could necessitate project modifications. The Academy also demands full accessibility to both chambers of the Torre de la Plata and the recovery of its lower vaulted hall for public and tourist use.
Finally, the Academy reiterates its disagreement with the public tender process followed by Urban Planning in 2024, arguing that the competition conditions did not favor the participation of qualified professionals nor did they include a prestigious jury to evaluate the best ideas for such a significant heritage complex. The report concludes by urging the necessary archaeological and museographic studies to be conducted before any definitive work and to rethink the architecture of the CIRAS to faithfully reflect the historical logic of the Islamic walls.
