O ferro no património arquitetónico do centro histórico de Maputo

  • Manuela P. Rosa Centro de Investigação em Turismo, Sustentabilidade e Bem-estar - CinTurs & Instituo Superior de Engenharia Universidade do Algarve
  • Luís E. da S. Lage Faculdade de Arquitetura e Planeamento Físico da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (FAPF-UEM)
  • Roberto A. João Faculdade de Arquitetura e Planeamento Físico da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (FAPF-UEM)
  • Jorge F. H. de I. Campos Faculdade de Arquitetura e Planeamento Físico da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (FAPF-UEM)
  • Carlos T. G. Trindade Faculdade de Arquitetura e Planeamento Físico da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (FAPF-UEM)
Keywords: Art Deco, Eclecticism and Art Nouveau, Maputo’s historic centre, historic façades, wrought iron, cast iron, architectural heritage, cultural sustainability

Abstract

Historic centres possess considerable heritage resources that honour the legacy and knowledge generated by humankind in the past; it is essential to preserve them and pass them on to future generations, as advocated by cultural sustainability. With the Industrial Revolution, innovative materials were developed for use in architectural elements, such as cast iron and wrought iron, which became integral to the construction of buildings, enhancing the urban landscape and adapting to different artistic movements and cultural periods. In this context, the present study aims to analyse the importance of decorative ironwork in the architectural language of historic buildings located in the historic centre of Maputo, Mozambique, and constructed in the late 19th century and the first three decades of the 20th century. To this end, a qualitative approach was adopted, based on a literature review and technical visits, which enabled direct observation and the taking of photographs. The results indicate that decorative ironwork is highly expressive and reflects the rich cultural periods of Eclecticism, occasionally Art Nouveau and, on a larger scale, Art Deco, adding aesthetic value to the urban landscape and contributing to the cultural identity of this city. It is concluded that these elements represent an opportunity to enhance the appeal of the historic centre and promote cultural tourism, making it essential to implement strategies for their restoration and preservation.

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Published
2026-07-20
How to Cite
Rosa, M. P., Lage, L. E. da S., João, R. A., Campos, J. F. H. de I., & Trindade, C. T. G. (2026, July 20). O ferro no património arquitetónico do centro histórico de Maputo. Journal of Tourism and Heritage Research, 9(3), 32-51. Retrieved from http://www.jthr.es/index.php/journal/article/view/808
Issue
Vol 9 No 3 (2026): Journal of Tourism and Heritage Research
Section
Artículos
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