Oran’s forgotten fort: historical, architectural and heritage issues

Abstract

Oran, an Algerian city with a rich past, has a diverse architectural heritage, blending Andalusian, Ottoman, Spanish and French influences. Among its treasures is the defensive system designed by the Spanish during their occupation of the city between the 16th and 18th centuries, which bears witness to its rich military heritage. This study is based on a revisiting of Fort San Fernando, a Spanish military structure that has long been considered lost. Thanks to a rigorous research method combining the analysis of written and iconographic historical sources with field investigation, we have been able to locate the fort, thereby refuting preconceived ideas about its alleged disappearance, as well as unfounded claims about its location. The analysis enabled us to document the fort and reassess its strategic role in the Spanish military system. The study also examined how the fort has changed over the centuries, from the departure of the Spanish to the present day, and suggested ways in which it might be preserved and exploited in the long term.