The construction of the Saint Jacobs Church dates from 1220. During several subsequent building phases, the Romanesque church has been replaced and extended by a church in early Gothic style. Because of the location of the church, constructed on a swamp, and the unforeseen additional vertical loading on the columns of the main nave, large differential settlements took place. During a research campaign, the resulting stresses are determined both numerically and experimentally, based on a minor destructive “hole-drilling technique.” Numerical determination allows the deduction of the principal stresses (magnitude and direction) in stone masonry. The experimental technique is presented and the results are compared with the outcome of a comparative numerical analysis. The quality of the experimental technique and the usefulness of the on-site methodology in the framework of cultural heritage are presented and discussed.

The Bay of Pasaia is one of the highest heritage value portside cultural landscapes in the Basque Country, Spain. In order to understand the factors that have led to the current complex configuration, this study traces the historical development of this landscape. It analyzes economic and social dynamics that led to transformations of the historic areas, port, and natural environment, and documents the remaining historical traces and heritage elements that have resulted from this interaction in a GIS database. Following the recommendations of the HUL Approach and the Valletta Principles, three historical periods have been identified, which bear similarity with other port areas around the world. The results of this study are expected to serve as a basis for future urban regeneration plans and heritage enhancement strategies.