The historical configuration of a high mountain UNESCO World Heritage Site: the agropastoral Cultural Landscape of the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

Abstract

The listing of the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley (Andorra) as World Heritage Site in the category of Cultural Landscape by the UNESCO was predominantly based on material remains, landscape features and traditions of late medieval, modern and contemporary periods. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, an attempt will be made in this paper to contextualise the material remains prompting this characterisation into their historical, social, economical and environmental dynamics. The results show that a thorough understanding of these dynamics is an essential tool in the comprehension of the site's significance but also in its management and sustainable development.