Un regalo para la provincia de Cáceres. El mecenazgo del agua durante la Edad Moderna: intervenciones en el paisaje modelado por el Tajo

Description

Abstract (English)

The article examines the role of civil and ecclesiastical patronage in the construction of bridges and hydraulic infrastructures across the Tagus River basin in the province of Cáceres during the Early Modern period, showing how these projects shaped the landscape, improved communication routes, and structured the territory. Drawing on historical documentation, cartographic sources, and local records, the study identifies the main agents involved: nobility, municipal councils, and bishops, each driven by a combination of social prestige, economic necessity, and communal service. Key examples include the bridges of Galisteo, San Lázaro, and the Puente Nuevo in Plasencia, as well as the Almaraz bridge and the Cardenal bridge, the latter promoted by Cardinal Juan de Carvajal to secure a safe crossing between Plasencia and Trujillo. The research demonstrates that these constructions must be understood not only as engineering works but also as manifestations of power, identity, and territorial representation. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the need to preserve and interpret these structures as part of the cultural and historical heritage of the region, highlighting their significance in contemporary debates on landscape, patrimony, and cultural routes.