Feb 22 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

The Roman wall of Lugo prepares for relentless storms

The Roman wall of Lugo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, suffers damage from heavy rainfall and flooding, with a section collapsing recently.

The Roman wall of Lugo, recognized as one of the best-preserved Roman walls in the world, is facing significant challenges due to relentless storms impacting the region. Over a period from January 6 to February 5, an unprecedented amount of rainfall has led to severe water accumulation in the structure, resulting in a 'pool' effect in its interior fill. Experts reported that the saturated condition contributed to a recent collapse of a section that had been renovated multiple times over the centuries.

The collapsed section, unfortunately, highlighted structural issues related to renovations carried out in the early 20th century, indicating that parts of the wall had been repaired but were potentially compromised by the excessive water. It was initially feared that the damage might be to the original Roman structure, but further investigation determined that the fallen stones were from renovations rather than from the ancient elements of the wall, thus reflecting concerns over its historical integrity.

Efforts are now focused on assessing the damage and determining necessary repairs to preserve the wall, which is not only an architectural marvel but also a vital piece of cultural heritage for Lugo and Spain. The situation underscores the broader implications of climate change, with increasing severe weather events posing risks to historical monuments around the world, raising questions about how to maintain and secure such sites into the future.

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