Las restauraciones de 1903 y 1939 de la Basílica de Santa María de Elche. Incorporación de nuevos sistemas constructivos

This paper analyses the restorations of the Basilica de Santa Maria of Elche including the causes of these interventions. At this monument the “Misteri” listed as an inmaterial heritage of humanity is representation. The earthquakes of 1746 and 1829 caused severe structural damage. In the resto-ration carried out between 1903 and 1907 by the architect Marceliano Coquillat i Llofriu the dome and roof was replaced introducing iron into its new structures, making them one of the first mo-numental restoration works of the Spanish east where mixed iron and bricks vaults structures have been employed. A 1936 fire also generated serious problems in the building that forced another major restoration by Antonio Serrano Peral. Reinforced concrete were used in these works creating a tied and replaced the vaults of the nave and transept.