Governance in heritage cities.The case study of Santiago de Compostela
Authorship
E.P.Á.V.
Master's Degree in Challenges from Cities
E.P.Á.V.
Master's Degree in Challenges from Cities
Defense date
02.19.2026 17:30
02.19.2026 17:30
Summary
This work analyzes heritage governance in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, focusing on the role of citizen participation in the processes of management, conservation and use of urban heritage. Based on two contemporary debates on urban governance, the relationship between the regulatory and institutional frameworks and the concrete experiences of citizenship is studied. The research is based on a case study that combines bibliographic review, documentary analysis and a survey directed at residents and users of the city, incorporating both asked and open questions. The work reveals a gap between the institutional discourse on participation and citizen perceptions, as well as the persistence of dynamics of symbolic participation and territorial inequalities. Moving towards a more inclusive heritage governance requires not only expanding participatory channels, but also strengthening transparency, advocacy capacity and the effective recognition of citizens as central actors in the management of urban heritage.
This work analyzes heritage governance in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, focusing on the role of citizen participation in the processes of management, conservation and use of urban heritage. Based on two contemporary debates on urban governance, the relationship between the regulatory and institutional frameworks and the concrete experiences of citizenship is studied. The research is based on a case study that combines bibliographic review, documentary analysis and a survey directed at residents and users of the city, incorporating both asked and open questions. The work reveals a gap between the institutional discourse on participation and citizen perceptions, as well as the persistence of dynamics of symbolic participation and territorial inequalities. Moving towards a more inclusive heritage governance requires not only expanding participatory channels, but also strengthening transparency, advocacy capacity and the effective recognition of citizens as central actors in the management of urban heritage.
Direction
Lopez , Lucrezia (Tutorships)
FRANCO RIBEIRO, MARIA DO CARMO (Co-tutorships)
Lopez , Lucrezia (Tutorships)
FRANCO RIBEIRO, MARIA DO CARMO (Co-tutorships)
Court
López González, Cándido Jaime (Chairman)
PAZOS OTON, MIGUEL (Secretary)
Chamusca Magalhaes Nunes, Pedro Miguel (Member)
López González, Cándido Jaime (Chairman)
PAZOS OTON, MIGUEL (Secretary)
Chamusca Magalhaes Nunes, Pedro Miguel (Member)
The Ribeira Sacra: Landscape and Heritage. A critical reflection on the World Heritage candidacy
Authorship
M.L.C.
Master's Degree in Archaeology and Ancient Sciences
M.L.C.
Master's Degree in Archaeology and Ancient Sciences
Defense date
02.12.2026 12:00
02.12.2026 12:00
Summary
This Master´s Dissertation presents a critical analysis of the construction of the heritage discourse surrounding the Ribeira Sacra, as well as of its successive proposals to be designated as a World Heritage Site. The hegemonic narrative continues to portray a depoliticized landscape, focused on the spiritual and essentialist values of the territory, while failing to address those aspects of the past that are uncomfortable for the official narrative. In response, we argue for a reconstruction of the discourse that incorporates silenced episodes such as Francoist repression and territorial exploitation resulting from agrarian colonization and the construction of dams. Through a critique of the current nomination, and by contrasting it with what remains excluded from the candidacy, we propose the design of itineraries that integrate sites of memory and other elements that challenge the authorized discourse. Ultimately, our aim is to contribute to a more plural, critical, and historically coherent approach to heritage management in the Ribeira Sacra.
This Master´s Dissertation presents a critical analysis of the construction of the heritage discourse surrounding the Ribeira Sacra, as well as of its successive proposals to be designated as a World Heritage Site. The hegemonic narrative continues to portray a depoliticized landscape, focused on the spiritual and essentialist values of the territory, while failing to address those aspects of the past that are uncomfortable for the official narrative. In response, we argue for a reconstruction of the discourse that incorporates silenced episodes such as Francoist repression and territorial exploitation resulting from agrarian colonization and the construction of dams. Through a critique of the current nomination, and by contrasting it with what remains excluded from the candidacy, we propose the design of itineraries that integrate sites of memory and other elements that challenge the authorized discourse. Ultimately, our aim is to contribute to a more plural, critical, and historically coherent approach to heritage management in the Ribeira Sacra.
Direction
COMENDADOR REY, BEATRIZ (Tutorships)
Ayan Vila, Jorge Miguel (Co-tutorships)
COMENDADOR REY, BEATRIZ (Tutorships)
Ayan Vila, Jorge Miguel (Co-tutorships)
Court
CARRERO PAZOS, MIGUEL (Chairman)
Saqqa Carazo, Miriam (Secretary)
NION ALVAREZ, SAMUEL (Member)
CARRERO PAZOS, MIGUEL (Chairman)
Saqqa Carazo, Miriam (Secretary)
NION ALVAREZ, SAMUEL (Member)
Disappaeared movie theaters in Lugo: 3D reconstruction of a forgotten heritage
Authorship
A.N.L.
Master's Degree in Digital Cultural Heritage
A.N.L.
Master's Degree in Digital Cultural Heritage
Defense date
02.26.2026 13:00
02.26.2026 13:00
Summary
Starting in the 1940s, cinema experienced a boom period, reflected in the increase in the number of movie theaters. In Galicia, most of the movie houses opened in the 20th century were concentrated in the 1940s, and Lugo was no exception, with six movie theaters opening between 1936 and 1957, which had a significant impact on Lugo society at the time. However, changes in the business model meant that the vast majority of these venues were demolished or used for other activities. The aim of this master’s thesis is to highlight this lost heritage through the three-dimensional reconstruction of the main movie theaters in Lugo: Cine España (1936), Central Cinema (1941) and Cine Paz (1957). Based on the available documentation, the creation of virtual models is proposed to visualize and reclaim this lost heritage, thereby contributing to the preservation of Lugo’s urban memory.
Starting in the 1940s, cinema experienced a boom period, reflected in the increase in the number of movie theaters. In Galicia, most of the movie houses opened in the 20th century were concentrated in the 1940s, and Lugo was no exception, with six movie theaters opening between 1936 and 1957, which had a significant impact on Lugo society at the time. However, changes in the business model meant that the vast majority of these venues were demolished or used for other activities. The aim of this master’s thesis is to highlight this lost heritage through the three-dimensional reconstruction of the main movie theaters in Lugo: Cine España (1936), Central Cinema (1941) and Cine Paz (1957). Based on the available documentation, the creation of virtual models is proposed to visualize and reclaim this lost heritage, thereby contributing to the preservation of Lugo’s urban memory.
Direction
BALSA BARREIRO, JOSE (Tutorships)
BALSA BARREIRO, JOSE (Tutorships)
Court
Fernández Armesto, Mónica (Chairman)
CESAR VILA, MARIO (Secretary)
SANTOMIL MOSQUERA, DAVID (Member)
Fernández Armesto, Mónica (Chairman)
CESAR VILA, MARIO (Secretary)
SANTOMIL MOSQUERA, DAVID (Member)
Galician cities and new migration trends: an exploratory study on the Argentine return within the framework of the Retorna Strategy.
Authorship
J.S.B.
Master's Degree in Challenges from Cities
J.S.B.
Master's Degree in Challenges from Cities
Defense date
02.19.2026 18:00
02.19.2026 18:00
Summary
Within the framework of contemporary debates on international migration, cities face challenges derived from migratory processes, particularly those related to the management of resources and social and cultural diversity. This Master’s Thesis analyses the role of Argentine return migration in Galician cities within the context of the Estrategia Retorna. The research is based on the hypothesis that this public policy, implemented by the Xunta de Galicia as an autonomous regional government, contributes to addressing Galicia’s urban and demographic challenges by attracting a young and highly qualified population through the so-called return to the roots. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach that combines a literature review, analysis of official statistical data, and qualitative and quantitative fieldwork. From a theoretical perspective, contemporary migrations are examined as phenomena linked to dynamics of mobility, inequality and urban development, allowing the contextualisation of migratory flows between Galicia and Argentina. The empirical analysis is based on surveys conducted among returned Argentine migrants and interviews with professionals involved in social integration programmes. The findings show that the Estrategia Retorna contributes to the revitalisation of Galician cities through population rejuvenation, although persistent limitations remain that condition the integration of returnees.
Within the framework of contemporary debates on international migration, cities face challenges derived from migratory processes, particularly those related to the management of resources and social and cultural diversity. This Master’s Thesis analyses the role of Argentine return migration in Galician cities within the context of the Estrategia Retorna. The research is based on the hypothesis that this public policy, implemented by the Xunta de Galicia as an autonomous regional government, contributes to addressing Galicia’s urban and demographic challenges by attracting a young and highly qualified population through the so-called return to the roots. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach that combines a literature review, analysis of official statistical data, and qualitative and quantitative fieldwork. From a theoretical perspective, contemporary migrations are examined as phenomena linked to dynamics of mobility, inequality and urban development, allowing the contextualisation of migratory flows between Galicia and Argentina. The empirical analysis is based on surveys conducted among returned Argentine migrants and interviews with professionals involved in social integration programmes. The findings show that the Estrategia Retorna contributes to the revitalisation of Galician cities through population rejuvenation, although persistent limitations remain that condition the integration of returnees.
Direction
Lopez , Lucrezia (Tutorships)
Nery Rodrigues, Emilia María (Co-tutorships)
Lopez , Lucrezia (Tutorships)
Nery Rodrigues, Emilia María (Co-tutorships)
Court
López González, Cándido Jaime (Chairman)
PAZOS OTON, MIGUEL (Secretary)
Chamusca Magalhaes Nunes, Pedro Miguel (Member)
López González, Cándido Jaime (Chairman)
PAZOS OTON, MIGUEL (Secretary)
Chamusca Magalhaes Nunes, Pedro Miguel (Member)
Master thesis
Authorship
V.S.P.
Master's Degree in Artistic and Architectural Heritage Management, Museums and Art Business
V.S.P.
Master's Degree in Artistic and Architectural Heritage Management, Museums and Art Business
Defense date
02.04.2026 11:00
02.04.2026 11:00
Summary
The purpose of this Master’s Thesis is to highlight the value of the bibliographic heritage preserved in the Biblioteca General Universitaria de Santiago (General University Library of Santiago), much of which originates from the city’s former monastic and conventual spaces. This documentary collection constitutes a significant heritage asset that must be preserved and disseminated within society. To this end, an exhaustive review and study of the inventories, catalogues, and primary sources of the Fondo Histórico Universitario (University’s Historical Collection) was carried out, as well as of the Archivo y Biblioteca Franciscana de la Provincia de Santiago (Franciscan Archives and Library of the Province of Santiago) and the archives of the Real Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País de Santiago (Royal Economic Society of Friends of the Country of Santiago). Based on this preliminary analysis, a selection was made of works notable for their historical significance or artistic value, both in their written content and in their illustrations. The detailed study of these pieces allows for a deeper understanding of the concepts that underpin the second part of this work, which focuses on the design of an exhibition project. This proposal aims to showcase the selected works, bringing a lesser-known bibliographic heritage closer to the public, thereby fostering its appreciation while contributing to its conservation and dissemination.
The purpose of this Master’s Thesis is to highlight the value of the bibliographic heritage preserved in the Biblioteca General Universitaria de Santiago (General University Library of Santiago), much of which originates from the city’s former monastic and conventual spaces. This documentary collection constitutes a significant heritage asset that must be preserved and disseminated within society. To this end, an exhaustive review and study of the inventories, catalogues, and primary sources of the Fondo Histórico Universitario (University’s Historical Collection) was carried out, as well as of the Archivo y Biblioteca Franciscana de la Provincia de Santiago (Franciscan Archives and Library of the Province of Santiago) and the archives of the Real Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País de Santiago (Royal Economic Society of Friends of the Country of Santiago). Based on this preliminary analysis, a selection was made of works notable for their historical significance or artistic value, both in their written content and in their illustrations. The detailed study of these pieces allows for a deeper understanding of the concepts that underpin the second part of this work, which focuses on the design of an exhibition project. This proposal aims to showcase the selected works, bringing a lesser-known bibliographic heritage closer to the public, thereby fostering its appreciation while contributing to its conservation and dissemination.
Direction
CORTES LOPEZ, MIRIAM ELENA (Tutorships)
CORTES LOPEZ, MIRIAM ELENA (Tutorships)
Court
MONTERROSO MONTERO, JUAN MANUEL (Chairman)
PEREZ VARELA, ANA (Secretary)
CHAO CASTRO, DAVID (Member)
MONTERROSO MONTERO, JUAN MANUEL (Chairman)
PEREZ VARELA, ANA (Secretary)
CHAO CASTRO, DAVID (Member)