The IGESPAR has long been pursuing efforts to systematise and computerise information about the architectural and archaeological heritage.
Bearing in mind that listing or scheduling an asset will grant it prestige, apart from protecting it through a specific legal framework, it is fundamental that this procedure follows general guidelines applicable across Europe.
The following requirements are essential for any application for listing:
1. Asset’s background and reasons for applying
It includes all available information about the asset not referred to below, such as copies of any publications, old photos, previous architectural and/or archaeological projects.
2. Inventory form (Online form)
This form is to be filled in according to the instructions given. In case of an archaeological site, or a mixed asset, please also attach a form for the Archaeological Heritage National Data Base, - Endovélico, available here or at IGESPAR’s premises in Avenida da Índia, 136, 1300-300 Lisboa.
3. Graphic documentation
3.1. Photo coverage
It is important to have full photos of the asset including its surrounding area, so that an analysis can be made of its setting, as well as any other relevant information.
3.2. Architectural survey (if applicable)
It is important that it includes any expressive floor plans, elevations and cross sections.
3.3. Cartographic data
The process should include a location plan of the building, group of buildings or site, if possible at a 1:2000 scale, so that an area of at least 100 metres may be drawn around it.
3.4 Archaeological survey (if applicable)
Identification of the archaeological area subject to intervention should be accompanied by topographic plans (of the site and the structures found) and stratigraphic cross sections. The area known to have archaeological remains should be delimited so that it is fully included in the listed asset’s surrounding area.
4. Cadastral register (if applicable)
Guidelines for filling in the Online form
1. Identification
1.1 Heritage type
1.2 Name
The name that an asset is known by. Should it have more than one name, this should be referred to in the additional information, so as to make a full search possible. For example: Palácio Bramão or Palácio Ceia or Palácio Rebelo de Andrade.
If the asset has no name, it should be identified by its location.
If it is an archaeological site, the name should correspond to that on the Endovéico Data base.
1.3. Administrative location
The location should include the name of the road, the building’s number, district, municipality, parish and locality. Reference should be made to the site’s previous name, if applicable.
If the location is not clear, additional information should be added, such as any nearby roads.
1.4 – Site’s National Code (CNS)
Should an archaeological site be included in the Endóvelico Data Base, its respective CNS should be mentioned.
2. Characterisation
2.1. Original function
Reference should be made to the function for which the asset was originally designed, as well as any other different functions the asset may have had in the past.
2.2. Current function
The building’s social function and a description of its occupancy per floor are required (if it is different). Existence of the following infrastructure should be mentioned:
Power supply
Water supply
Gas supply.
2.3. Setting
A description of the urban/natural setting, i.e., the asset’s physical and environmental context is required.
A full coverage photo of the asset’s surrounding area showing its integration in the landscape is recommended.
2.4. General description and relevant details
This description should include the asset’s most remarkable traits, such as any sculpted decorations, mural paintings, or archaeological structures. There should be a list of the most significant archaeological findings.
A detailed and exhaustive description is not required.
Any noteworthy information about the asset’s exterior should be mentioned, such as all kinds of inscriptions, dates, names or initials.
2.5. Condition
Applications should include information about the asset’s overall condition, and about any elements missing or requiring urgent intervention.
Structural elements such as walls, floors, roofs, and decorative traits should be assessed according to the following scale:
• Very good
• Good
• Reasonable
• Bad
• Ruin.
2.6. Identification of the asset’s custodian (Archaeological Heritage only)
The location and custodian (name, address and telephone) of the archaeological findings should be identified.
3. Owner’s information
3.1. Owner’s identification
Name if the asset belongs to the State, Church or IGESPAR. If it is private property belonging to a sole owner, the two following items should be filled in with the name, address and telephone. If it is State property not belonging to IGESPAR, reference should be made to its owner’s name and address.
4. Remarks
The following information may be included here:
4.1. Anticipated transformations and demolitions
Any conversions or demolitions resulting from ongoing or future works; anticipated or required restoration works; any expected conversions or reuse.
4.2. People who may supply information
Locals who may provide information about the asset, or hold their keys (particularly for assets with a religious function). It is advisable to provide their address and telephone number. If it is an archaeological site with ongoing works, the name of the architects in charge should be provided.
4.3. Restrictions to information disclosure
There may be restrictions to public disclosure of information regarding the asset, such as its interior or ownership. This type of restriction should be referred to.
5. Legal Protection
5.1. Asset’s protection
Type of legal protection in terms of architectural, archaeological or environmental heritage. Examples: I.I.P. (Public Interest Asset), Decree No. 28/82, of 26/2; Integrated in the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
5.2. Protection Zone / Special Protection Zone
Reference should be made to any additional legal protection such as the protection zone, or special protection zone of any listed asset or awaiting listing including the legislation under which it is protected. Example: Z.E.P. (Special Protection Zone) of Igreja da Memória, D.G. (Official Journal), 2nd Series, No. 163, of 14/07/1960.
5.3. Legal protection priority
This is to emphasise the importance of the asset considering listing criteria. Reference should be made if the asset is only to be included on the Inventory list.
6. Historic/architectural and artistic characterisation
Applications should have historic, architectural and artistic information about the asset that will help understand all its elements and make a contextual reading of the following items:
Date of Construction
Author and/or builder
Style Features
Rehabilitation/restoration work
Any personalities or entities in its background.
Any other data that may be relevant for listing the asset.
7. Architectural characterisation
There should be a brief description of the asset that will enable it to be inserted in one of the following typologies:
- Civil architecture (dwelling, palace)
- Religious architecture (chapel, church, shrine)
- Military architecture (castle, fort, wall)
- Industrial architecture (factory, warehouse)
- Rural architecture (mill, cellar)
- Multi-purpose (house with chapel, house with a defence purpose)
- Others.
An architectural description of the asset should be made including all its integrating parts and different materials used.
An inventory should also be made of all the asset’s decorative elements such as, for example:
Tiles
Frescoes
Iron fittings
Stonework.
All information found relevant for the asset’s listing should be thoroughly described.
8. Archaeological characterisation (search for thesaurus in the Endovélico Data base)
8.1 Site type
8.2 Chronological period
8.3 Description
8.4 Findings
9. Bibliography
There should be a specific bibliography to help deepen the knowledge and history about the asset.
10. Cartographic references
Indicate the asset’s location in geographic and Cartesian (plane) coordinates. In either case the datum used should be mentioned. If you choose Cartesian coordinates, reference should be made to the cartographic projection used. If it is archaeological heritage, there should be a 1:25000-scale military chart showing the asset’s setting.
11. Additional elements
11.1. Applicant
The applicant, whether it is a single or legal person, should be clearly identified and provide his/her contact details.
