ABSTRACT
The concept of cultural landscape was developed by geographers in the late 19th century and was gradually appropriated into the practice of landscape conservation. Addressed by several authors in conventions and also used in methodologies supporting legal frameworks, Portuguese education has embraced this subject within Landscape Architecture, and its workability in conservation practices is still in debate.
Through a literature review of various authors, we approach the concept and describe international conventions, recommendations, pioneer cultural landscapes’ management and conservation guidelines and extend to historic gardens, rural and vernacular landscapes, focusing on conservation concerns.
An overview of cultural landscapes in the university curricula is presented, starting at the first course of Landscape Architecture in Portugal, founded by Cabral in 1942 (Higher Institute of Agronomy—ISA). Cultural landscape teaching and conservation in Portugal is mainly supported by the European debate and practice since 1990s. The research provided useful insights that enhanced knowledge and critical thinking on the theme. The transposition of international conventions to the Portuguese legal framework has an unclear adequacy approach, and to avoid their extinction, a specific procedure is required.
