Counting Minotaurs: iconography and re-signification of the Minotaur throughout Art History.
Authorship
D.A.Á.Á.
Bachelor's degree in History of Art
D.A.Á.Á.
Bachelor's degree in History of Art
Defense date
02.20.2026 12:00
02.20.2026 12:00
Summary
Throughout Art history, the figure of the Minotaur has undergone multiple stylistic and formal variations, acquiring diverse meanings according to the historical and cultural context of each period. This study examine its iconographic evolution and processes of re-signification to which it has been subjected as a creative response to the needs and concerns of each moment, basing the research on the analysis of visual resources such as paintings, sculpture, and ceramics, while also drawing on the study of various textual sources that help to complement the worldview of each society that assimilated the Minotaur within its cultural context and iconographic practice.
Throughout Art history, the figure of the Minotaur has undergone multiple stylistic and formal variations, acquiring diverse meanings according to the historical and cultural context of each period. This study examine its iconographic evolution and processes of re-signification to which it has been subjected as a creative response to the needs and concerns of each moment, basing the research on the analysis of visual resources such as paintings, sculpture, and ceramics, while also drawing on the study of various textual sources that help to complement the worldview of each society that assimilated the Minotaur within its cultural context and iconographic practice.
Direction
DIEZ PLATAS, MARIA DE FATIMA (Tutorships)
DIEZ PLATAS, MARIA DE FATIMA (Tutorships)
Court
BARRAL RIVADULLA, Mª DOLORES (Chairman)
CARREÑO LÓPEZ, SARA (Secretary)
CHAO CASTRO, DAVID (Member)
BARRAL RIVADULLA, Mª DOLORES (Chairman)
CARREÑO LÓPEZ, SARA (Secretary)
CHAO CASTRO, DAVID (Member)
Shellfish harvesting in the Muros-Noia estuary: territorial, socio-environmental, and cartographic analysis of the shellfish beds
Authorship
D.L.L.
Bachelor of Geography and Land Management
D.L.L.
Bachelor of Geography and Land Management
Defense date
02.20.2026 10:00
02.20.2026 10:00
Summary
The Muros-Noia estuary, located between the Arousa and Corcubión estuaries, is an area of high ecological, economic, and scenic value. The mouth of the Tambre River forms an estuary where freshwater and saltwater converge, thus favoring the presence of species of great commercial importance, such as the razor clam (with protected designation of origin and quality seal) and various types of clams. Shellfish harvesting thus becomes the main economic engine of the local communities. However, the sector faces a series of problems that threaten its sustainability. These include a decrease in catches, the aging and loss of jobs in shellfish harvesting, the impact of climate change (warming and acidification of the waters, sea level rise, more intense storms), as well as restrictions stemming from the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Additionally, there are conflicts over space use associated with tourism pressure and the Tambre Reservoir, along with practices such as poaching. The overall objective of this study is to analyze the problems affecting shellfish harvesting in the Muros-Noia estuary and its associated population. As specific objectives, it is intended to: (i) examine the reduction in catches and the availability of marine resources, (ii) analyze employment and aging in the sector, (iii) study the impact of European policies and climate change, and (iv) evaluate the competition for space between shellfish harvesting, the reservoir, and tourism. The methodology will be mixed and adapted to the research objectives. It will be based on a review of scientific and technical literature, consultation of statistical data, and cartographic analysis using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) with both official and proprietary fishing grounds maps, thereby reinforcing the territorial analysis.
The Muros-Noia estuary, located between the Arousa and Corcubión estuaries, is an area of high ecological, economic, and scenic value. The mouth of the Tambre River forms an estuary where freshwater and saltwater converge, thus favoring the presence of species of great commercial importance, such as the razor clam (with protected designation of origin and quality seal) and various types of clams. Shellfish harvesting thus becomes the main economic engine of the local communities. However, the sector faces a series of problems that threaten its sustainability. These include a decrease in catches, the aging and loss of jobs in shellfish harvesting, the impact of climate change (warming and acidification of the waters, sea level rise, more intense storms), as well as restrictions stemming from the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Additionally, there are conflicts over space use associated with tourism pressure and the Tambre Reservoir, along with practices such as poaching. The overall objective of this study is to analyze the problems affecting shellfish harvesting in the Muros-Noia estuary and its associated population. As specific objectives, it is intended to: (i) examine the reduction in catches and the availability of marine resources, (ii) analyze employment and aging in the sector, (iii) study the impact of European policies and climate change, and (iv) evaluate the competition for space between shellfish harvesting, the reservoir, and tourism. The methodology will be mixed and adapted to the research objectives. It will be based on a review of scientific and technical literature, consultation of statistical data, and cartographic analysis using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) with both official and proprietary fishing grounds maps, thereby reinforcing the territorial analysis.
Direction
PIÑEIRO ANTELO, MARIA DE LOS ANGELES (Tutorships)
PIÑEIRO ANTELO, MARIA DE LOS ANGELES (Tutorships)
Court
PIÑEIRO ANTELO, MARIA DE LOS ANGELES (Student’s tutor)
PIÑEIRO ANTELO, MARIA DE LOS ANGELES (Student’s tutor)
Urban Transformations and Territorial Challenges in Ferrol
Authorship
X.L.F.
Bachelor of Geography and Land Management
X.L.F.
Bachelor of Geography and Land Management
Defense date
02.20.2026 10:00
02.20.2026 10:00
Summary
This Final Degree Project analyses the urban transformations and territorial challenges of the city of Ferrol from a geographical and spatial planning perspective. The study is structured as a progressive analysis that addresses the conceptual framework of contemporary cities, the territorial context of Ferrol, and the diagnosis of the main urban issues currently affecting the city. The work examines the recent evolution of Ferrol’s urban and territorial structure, focusing on aspects such as demographic dynamics, the internal organisation of the city by neighbourhoods, socio-economic inequalities, mobility and connectivity, the relationship between the city and its waterfront, and the functioning of the housing market. In addition, recent urban interventions and planning instruments that condition the urban and territorial development of the municipality are analysed. The methodology is based on the use of official statistical sources, urban planning documents and territorial analysis at different scales, providing an integrated view of the urban processes that characterise Ferrol as a medium-small city. Overall, the study aims to contribute to the understanding of the city’s current challenges and the factors shaping its future evolution.
This Final Degree Project analyses the urban transformations and territorial challenges of the city of Ferrol from a geographical and spatial planning perspective. The study is structured as a progressive analysis that addresses the conceptual framework of contemporary cities, the territorial context of Ferrol, and the diagnosis of the main urban issues currently affecting the city. The work examines the recent evolution of Ferrol’s urban and territorial structure, focusing on aspects such as demographic dynamics, the internal organisation of the city by neighbourhoods, socio-economic inequalities, mobility and connectivity, the relationship between the city and its waterfront, and the functioning of the housing market. In addition, recent urban interventions and planning instruments that condition the urban and territorial development of the municipality are analysed. The methodology is based on the use of official statistical sources, urban planning documents and territorial analysis at different scales, providing an integrated view of the urban processes that characterise Ferrol as a medium-small city. Overall, the study aims to contribute to the understanding of the city’s current challenges and the factors shaping its future evolution.
Direction
DURAN VILLA, FRANCISCO RAMON (Tutorships)
DURAN VILLA, FRANCISCO RAMON (Tutorships)
Court
DURAN VILLA, FRANCISCO RAMON (Student’s tutor)
DURAN VILLA, FRANCISCO RAMON (Student’s tutor)
The Way to Fisterra: Heritage, Spiritualities and Processes of Change.
Authorship
D.M.S.
Bachelor of Geography and Land Management
D.M.S.
Bachelor of Geography and Land Management
Defense date
02.20.2026 10:00
02.20.2026 10:00
Summary
This paper analyzes how the Way to Fisterra has influenced the configuration of the Galician space and the cultural and social perception of pilgrimage from medieval times to the present day. The research combines a literature review, analysis of historical sources, and direct observation of the route. It is evident that the Way has left its mark on the urban and rural structure, promoted new forms of spirituality, and generated touristification processes that affect the heritage and the local community. Likewise, challenges related to cultural and environmental conservation are highlighted, as well as opportunities for a more sustainable management of the itinerary. The present study offers an integrated vision from geography, useful for future research and for the planning of conservation policies and responsible use of the Way. Therefore, the reflection and analysis between devotion, local identity, and tourism are fundamental to understanding the future of the Way as a living heritage.
This paper analyzes how the Way to Fisterra has influenced the configuration of the Galician space and the cultural and social perception of pilgrimage from medieval times to the present day. The research combines a literature review, analysis of historical sources, and direct observation of the route. It is evident that the Way has left its mark on the urban and rural structure, promoted new forms of spirituality, and generated touristification processes that affect the heritage and the local community. Likewise, challenges related to cultural and environmental conservation are highlighted, as well as opportunities for a more sustainable management of the itinerary. The present study offers an integrated vision from geography, useful for future research and for the planning of conservation policies and responsible use of the Way. Therefore, the reflection and analysis between devotion, local identity, and tourism are fundamental to understanding the future of the Way as a living heritage.
Direction
DURAN VILLA, FRANCISCO RAMON (Tutorships)
DURAN VILLA, FRANCISCO RAMON (Tutorships)
Court
DURAN VILLA, FRANCISCO RAMON (Student’s tutor)
DURAN VILLA, FRANCISCO RAMON (Student’s tutor)
The lecagy of romanesque art in Lugo: An analysis of the Monastery of Santa María de Ferreira de Pallares
Authorship
X.P.V.
Bachelor's degree in History of Art
X.P.V.
Bachelor's degree in History of Art
Defense date
02.20.2026 12:00
02.20.2026 12:00
Summary
Santa María de Ferreira de Pallares is located in Guntín (Lugo, Galicia). This paper offers a historiographical and artistic study of the monastery, from its origins in the Early Middle Ages to its decline and transformation into a parish church. It addresses the historical evolution of the monastery, including its foundation, Benedictine reforms, periods of decline, and its conversion into a priory. The Romanesque architecture is analysed with special attention to the apse, portals, capitals, and tombs. Additionally, its ornamental and structural elements are compared with other Romanesque churches in the province of Lugo, highlighting the decorative originality of Ferreira de Pallares within the Galician context.
Santa María de Ferreira de Pallares is located in Guntín (Lugo, Galicia). This paper offers a historiographical and artistic study of the monastery, from its origins in the Early Middle Ages to its decline and transformation into a parish church. It addresses the historical evolution of the monastery, including its foundation, Benedictine reforms, periods of decline, and its conversion into a priory. The Romanesque architecture is analysed with special attention to the apse, portals, capitals, and tombs. Additionally, its ornamental and structural elements are compared with other Romanesque churches in the province of Lugo, highlighting the decorative originality of Ferreira de Pallares within the Galician context.
Direction
FRAGA SAMPEDRO, MARIA DOLORES (Tutorships)
FRAGA SAMPEDRO, MARIA DOLORES (Tutorships)
Court
FRAGA SAMPEDRO, MARIA DOLORES (Student’s tutor)
FRAGA SAMPEDRO, MARIA DOLORES (Student’s tutor)