The council of Orihuela has initiated the tender process for the restoration and consolidation of an Andalusian house uncovered during renovation works at the Miguel Hernández Cultural Centre, formerly the Caja de Ahorros de Monserrate, located in Ramón Sijé Square. The project has a budget of €46,076.80, including VAT, aimed at ensuring the preservation of archaeological remains and preparing the site for future exhibition.
The house was discovered while reinforcing the foundation of the building and is part of the archaeological heritage linked to the medieval defensive system of the Islamic medina of Orihuela. Excavations revealed various rooms and construction elements, including walls, floors, pillars, and two Almohad arches, which remain collapsed at the site.
The restoration plan includes drafting a technical project, cleaning the archaeological remains, and consolidating plasterwork, floors, and structures. It also encompasses the recovery and recreation of the two arches in their original location, restoration of damaged pillars and walls, and partial reconstruction of certain partitions to aid in interpreting the layout of the former house. The contract stipulates a completion period of ten weeks.
