ABSTRACT
The Spanish Semaphore was a wireless fortified and civilian telegraphy network designed by the Colonel of General Staff J.M. Mathé, in the midst of the nineteenth century. The purpose was to ensure real-time communications within the Spanish mainland, handled by the government in a fast and secure way. The system became the only viable option in a country affected by social and political turmoils at the time, although the technology itself was already being replaced by electrical systems in the advanced nations. However, the Spanish Civil Optical Telegraphy Network – known as Spanish Semaphore – stopped working after less than a decade of service since its construction. Nowadays, the telecommunication towers that were part of this network are the only built remnants. Hence, this research seeks to place attention on these unique yet overlooked sites of heritage, arguing the need to preserve these as part of Spain’s architecture legacy.
