From Industrial Heritage to Cultural Space: The Touristic Transformation in the Region of Ciudad Rodrigo (Spain)

The study analyses the evolution of industrial heritage in the Ciudad Rodrigo region, from its initial form to its current role as a cultural asset within the tourism sector. The study identifies and analyses the old mills in the region, distinguishing between those that have been abandoned and those that have been recovered for tourism purposes. Various historical sources have been used to do so, highlighting the Cadastre of the Marquis of Ensenada (mid-18th century). The aim is to determine the impact of this evolution on the local economy, with special attention to the role of tourism as a driver of territorial development through the enhancement of this industrial heritage using tourist routes. The results emphasise the importance of heritage recovery as a strategy to revitalise rural areas, highlighting the importance of tourism in the local economy, and as a key element for the sustainability of the territory.