What?
This project aims to conduct a geophysical survey using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) at the Vinya de les Parets archaeological site in Gelida. The results will be essential for improving site management, designing effective protection strategies, and assessing the feasibility of future archaeological excavations.
A ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a tool that emits electromagnetic waves into the ground and detects those that reflect off different underground materials. This allows us to "see" buried structures without excavation, such as walls, pits, or other archaeological elements.
At Vinya de les Parets, where three pipelines cross the site, this technique is the best way to generate knowledge without initial ground disturbance, ensuring the protection of archaeological heritage while gathering crucial data.
Why?
The site is in a worrying state of conservation and is located in an area vulnerable to urban transformations. Urgent action is needed to document and protect this heritage before it is lost forever.
How?
To make this project a reality, we need your support. Due to the lack of public funding, we are seeking citizen collaboration through crowdfunding. With your help, we can protect this unique site and contribute to preserving our history for future generations.
Descripción del proyecto. Características, fortalezas y diferenciales.
From the Association of Friends of the Castle of Gelida, we are promoting a geophysical survey using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to assess the state of conservation of the Vinya de les Parets site. This site, likely a Roman villa from the Imperial period, is little known and located in an area susceptible to infrastructure development.
Objectives:
- Document the extent and distribution of the site.
- Assess the impact of the pipelines crossing the site.
- Plan future excavations with precision.
- Avoid unnecessary ground disturbance in the initial phase.
- Generate data to improve the protection and management of the site.
- Contribute to the knowledge of the region’s cultural heritage.
- Help preserve the site from potential urban transformations.
- Promote scientific dissemination of the site and its findings.
- Raise public awareness about the importance of archaeological heritage protection.
- Highlight the site's cultural and historical value through educational initiatives.
Motivación y a quién va dirigido el proyecto
The project arises from the urgent need to study and preserve the Vinya de les Parets site in Gelida, a location with great historical potential that could correspond to a Roman villa from the Imperial period. Currently, the site is in a questionable state of conservation and is situated in an area at risk of urban development, threatening its preservation and study.
This project is aimed at history, archaeology, and heritage enthusiasts, as well as the local community of Gelida and its surroundings, who want to safeguard their past and highlight their cultural legacy. It also appeals to scholars, heritage organizations, and those concerned about the protection of historical sites amid urban transformations. Through this initiative, we seek to connect with everyone who shares the commitment to protecting and understanding our historical heritage, ensuring that history is not lost to oblivion.
Experiencia previa y equipo
The Team:
Irene Garcia Rovira holds a PhD in archaeology from the University of Manchester and currently leads projects at Archaeology England and Archaeology Wales. She is also a board member of the Association of Friends of the Castle of Gelida, actively contributing to the protection and promotion of cultural heritage.
SOT Archaeological Prospection is a company specializing in geophysical prospection applied to archaeology, architecture, and restoration. They offer services such as high-frequency ground-penetrating radar (GPR), magnetometry, and resistivity to identify underground structures in a non-invasive manner. Additionally, they provide training for professionals, participate in multidisciplinary research projects, and offer consultancy services and geometric documentation of heritage sites.
The Association of Friends of the Castle of Gelida, founded in 1965, is dedicated to the conservation and promotion of the Castle of Gelida and the town’s historical heritage. The association organizes cultural activities, guided tours, and manages the Interpretation Center, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of local history.
Canal 
