Dahua's intelligent monitoring protects the Alcázar of Segovia

To prevent intrusions and inappropriate conduct, has been deployed in the Alcázar of Segovia a sophisticated video surveillance system composed of 130 high-resolution cameras Dahua, and to improve the flow and control of capacity, equipos con IA. Regarding the safety of personnel and access to restricted areas, there is a biometric control system.

With more than 700.000 Annual visitors, The Alcázar of Segovia it is one of the most visited monuments in Spain. To ensure the protection of its valuable legacy and enhance the visitor experience, An advanced intelligent monitoring solution developed by Dahua Technology. This comprehensive system includes access control, perimeter protection, Behavioural analysis and thermal monitoring, ensuring both the safety and preservation of this iconic castle.

The Alcázar of Segovia, whose origins date back to the twelfth century, It is one of the most iconic castles in the world, A monument steeped in history and majesty, recently listed by National Geographic as the most beautiful in Europe.

This castle, that has been an impregnable fortress, Royal Residence, crown archive and even state prisons such as the Bastille or the Tower of London, it was also the headquarters of the Royal College of Artillery, a place where science and the military merged to mark milestones in scientific history, such as the formulation of the Law of Definite Proportions by Louis Proust or the first flight for military purposes in history.

 

Challenges of an emblematic building

The implementation of an advanced technological solution in a historical monument such as the Alcázar of Segovia has posed a series of complex challenges. This medieval castle, which houses centuries of history and valuable works of art, requires constant protection, without interruptions and without compromising its aesthetics or structure.

One of the main challenges was to manage the large flow of visitors, amounting to more than 700.000 people annually. The aim was to ensure that the distribution of tourists was carried out evenly throughout the day, avoiding crowds that could affect both the safety and the state of conservation of the building. In addition, Access control had to be rigorous, preventing intrusions outside visiting hours and protecting the heritage against acts of vandalism.

The vulnerability of wooden roofs, especially in attics, represented another crucial challenge. With antecedents such as the fire of the Notre Dame cathedral, Advanced thermal sensing system required, that would allow these sensitive areas to be continuously monitored, detecting any temperature anomalies that could pose a fire risk.

Also, The aim was to improve the service to visitors, facilitating assistance in case of emergencies, especially in hard-to-reach areas, such as the Tower of John II. The challenge was to integrate this technology in a discreet way so as not to alter the historical image of the castle.

At last, the need to modernize the entire video surveillance system and communications in a building with walls up to six meters thick and without conventional telephone coverage was one of the biggest challenges. The system needed to operate efficiently, ensuring a reliable and continuous signal throughout the venue.

Security and control

The security and control solution implemented in the Alcázar of Segovia has been designed to meet the strict protection needs, Capacity management and conservation of this historic monument. Through advanced technological infrastructure, both indoor and outdoor areas are covered, ensuring the preservation of heritage and the thousands of visitors it receives annually.

To improve the flow and control of capacity, Smart cameras with artificial intelligence technology have been installed, that allow real-time monitoring of building occupancy. These cameras, along with an advanced Ticketing Software, segment access into intervals of 30 Minutes, adjusting ticketing based on available capacity and ensuring a smooth visitor experience.

Regarding the safety of personnel and access to restricted areas, the Alcázar uses a system of Biometric Control, avoiding the use of fingerprint technology. This ensures effective protection of the most sensitive areas of the building, offering accurate check-in and check-out without compromising employee comfort.

To prevent intrusions and inappropriate conduct, A sophisticated video surveillance system has been deployed consisting of 130 High-resolution cameras, carefully distributed at strategic points. These cameras, with area barriers and line crossing sensors, They issue real-time alerts when a visitor exceeds the established boundaries in areas of high heritage value, thus guaranteeing the protection of works of art against possible acts of vandalism.

One of the most significant improvements is the use of PoE feed throughout the network of video surveillance cameras. This has considerably reduced the number of cables, eliminating the need to install high-voltage power lines. When operating at low voltage, Electrical risk is minimized, increasing the security of the building and facilitating its maintenance.

In addition, have all systems from the same manufacturer, Dahua, has made it possible to avoid problems of incompatibility and ensure optimal integration, centrally managed through the DSS PRO software, which acts as the brain of the system. This solution not only optimizes interoperability, but also simplifies staff training, Significantly improving operational efficiency.

Fire protection has been one of the most critical areas. Installed 14 thermal cameras in attics and ceilings, areas vulnerable to fire. These allow continuous temperature monitoring and generate early warnings in case of anomalies. This system is supported by a network of ionic and barrier smoke detectors, connected to a redundant pump system, that guarantee a rapid response to any risk of fire.

Visitor service has also been improved. In key areas, such as the ascent of the tower of John II, have been installed SOS points equipped with video intercoms that allow tourists to request assistance immediately. These devices are connected directly to the control center, ensuring a quick response in case of need.

At last, An essential aspect has been the integration of all these systems without compromising the aesthetics of the castle. Cameras and other devices have been designed to go unnoticed, maintaining the historical appearance of the Alcázar. This allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the monument without visual interruptions and with the peace of mind of being in a safe and well-managed environment.

Safety Management Benchmark

The implementation of these technological solutions has transformed the Alcázar of Segovia into a benchmark for advanced management in the security of historical monuments. Thanks to capacity control and efficient distribution of visitors, Your experience has been improved, avoiding crowds and ensuring the conservation of heritage.

The video surveillance and thermal monitoring system has raised the protection levels of the monument, allowing a rapid response to possible incidents and considerably reducing the risks associated with vandalism and fires.

The integration of advanced technologies, along with specialized staff training, has resulted in a more efficient and safer operation. Security team now has real-time information, which allows them to act in an agile way in any situation.

"We believe that optimal solutions, such as those offered by Dahua, together with trusted local suppliers and installers and trained staff, without a doubt they lead to exceptional results and allow all our visitors to enjoy the Alcázar in complete safety", comments Antonio Moreno Pérez, Chief Technology Officer, security and sales of the Alcázar of Segovia.

 

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