Abstract

From the 15th to the 18th centuries, conicts between the Spanish Monarchy (along with multiple coastal kingdoms) and the Ottoman Empire for the Mediterranean hegemony had a considerable inuence on the transformation of its landscape due to the strategic construction of forti!cations along the 46.000 km perimeter of the coast. -e defence of the mediterranean coast in the modern age represented an outstanding example of military architecture that served as a huge warning and preventive territorial system aimed at stopping pirate attacks, ensuring communications, trade and navigation. -e forti!cations of this defensive system, characterised by the use of bastions, are the most tangible trace of the history of the Mediterranean, as well as an image of its identity and a common nexus between all of its countries. -e present article highlights the cultural values of this heritage, which make it a suitable candidate for inscription on the UNESCO s World Heritage List.