Characterization of properties with patrimonial and cultural value in the city of Bonanza, Nicaragua

Abstract

Architectural cultural heritage is set within a context where the management, conservation, and promotion of cultural heritage are recognized as fundamental pillars for the sustainable development of a region. Because of this, the cultural buildings with heritage value in the city of Bonanza, RACCN, were identified and characterized. To this end, a qualitative approach with broad scope and cross-sectional design was adopted. A census-style study was used since the entire population of registered heritage buildings in the study area was addressed. On the other hand, for gathering oral evidence, a purposive or judgmental sample of 6 key informants was selected, based on their institutional, historical, and community experience. Additionally, the following sites were analyzed through semi-structured interviews and document review: Jan Hus Moravian Church, Manolo Pao Torres Municipal Library, Duncan Campbell Municipal Baseball Stadium, Roger Castro Basketball Sports Center, Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús Parish, which have key attributes like age, architectural style, historical and social relevance that make them candidates for legal protection. Likewise, Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús Parish is the only property with an official municipal heritage declaration (issued January 3, 2015). A SWOT analysis identified threats to the historical and cultural value of these iconic buildings as symbols of identity, which undermines the preservation of the city's cultural heritage, thus highlighting the need to implement an action plan framed within Law No. 1142: Law for the Protection of the Nation's Cultural Heritage.