info@argus-project.eu
The ARGUS team visited the Cellar Town of Baltanás. Discover more.
Popular beliefs say that the renowned artist Gaudí took inspiration from its chimneys to design the famous La pedrera building in Barcelona. Believe it or not, Baltanás is home to one of the country’s most remarkable yet lesser-known cultural treasures—a vast underground cellar town. This extraordinary site, comprising 374 cellars carved into the earth, is not just a testament to Spain’s winemaking heritage but also a living reminder of the region’s deep-rooted traditions. This location is part of the ARGUS project as one of its pilot sites in which the technologies for preventive preservation will be tested.
Cellar town of Baltanás. A glimpse into history
The cellars of Baltanás are arranged in six superposed levels, creating a unique underground labyrinth that has been used for centuries to produce and preserve wine. The clay soil provides ideal conditions for winemaking, maintaining stable humidity and temperature levels throughout the year. These underground spaces tell stories of generations of winemakers who relied on the natural environment to craft and store their wines long before modern technology took over.
Despite its historical and cultural significance, Baltanás faces challenges that threaten its preservation. Like many rural areas in Spain, the village suffers from depopulation, leading to the abandonment of the cellars and lack of maintenance. Site investigations have revealed issues such as poor ventilation, excessive humidity (reaching nearly 100%), and soil erosion, which have already led to partial collapses in some areas.
Preserving Baltanás: The Role of the ARGUS Project
Recognizing the importance of preserving this unique vernacular heritage, the ARGUS project, coordinated by the National Spanish Research Council CSIC and managed by the Asociación Cultural de Barrio de Bodegas de Baltanás and the Municipality of Baltanás, has taken on the task of protecting the site. Last January, a delegation of the ARGUS project visited the site to check the interventions needed and help in the placement of sensors.
Key Objectives of the ARGUS Interventions
- Developing a risk assessment plan to monitor deterioration caused by humidity, ventilation issues, and landslides.
- Implementing erosion control strategies to reduce structural risks and prevent collapses.
- Ensuring proper ventilation to address the high humidity levels affecting the cellars.
By tackling these issues, the ARGUS project aims to safeguard the cellar town of Baltanás for future generations, ensuring that it remains a symbol of Spain’s rich winemaking history and a destination for cultural heritage enthusiasts.
A must-visit destination in the Cerrato Palentino area
For visitors, Baltanás offers an unforgettable journey through history and tradition. Walking through the cellar-lined hills, one can admire the ingenious underground architecture while imagining the vibrant winemaking culture that once thrived here. ARGUS efforts to preserve and revitalize the site could make it an even more attractive destination in the coming years.
It’s clear that Baltanás is more than just a collection of ancient cellars: it is a living piece of Spain’s cultural heritage, deserving of protection and appreciation.