Jewel robberies during the Mendizabal 's process of disestablishment in Granada (1834-1849)

Los cambios generados por la desamortización eclesiástica de Mendizábal entre 1834 y 1840 provocaron, no sólo la transformación del régimen de propiedad de la tierra, sino también la disolución de un valioso patrimonio artístico. Con objeto de sanear la Hacienda Pública y mantener los cuantiosos gastos de la guerra contra los carlistas, gran parte de este acervo cultural se perdió de forma irreparable, especialmente el elevado caudal de piezas de orfebrería, vasos sagrados y alhajas que poseían los conventos y monasterios suprimidos. Se analiza el corpus legislativo que marcaría el destino de esta riqueza y su repercusión en el ámbito provincial de Granada.The changes introduced by the disestablishing of the churches undertaken by Mendizábal between 1834 and 1840 led, not only to a transformation of land-ownership, but also to the loss of a valuable artistic heritage. Much of this cultural treasure disappeared - probably in order to replenish the coffers of the State, badly depleted by the Carlist wars. Silverwork was lost, as were many sacred chalices and jewels owned by the convents and monasteries which were disestablished. In this paper the author analyzes the legislative context in which this took place and the repercussions of this loss in the province of Granada