The research, which has led to integrated action by Ital and Spain (Universta degli Studi de Firenze and Universidad Politecnica de Valencia), is concerned with the study of architectural-urban planning influences between Spanish-Italian frontier towns and cities, built from the 16th to 18th centuries. The case being studied is specifically concerned with Tabarka settlements. These are found on the islet of Tabarka, opposite the coast of Tunis, beside the gulf of Bora, a strategic location for the coral business and for control of the Christian-Moslem frontier. Seasonally inhabited by Genoese fishermen, it belonged to the Spanish crown from the first decades of the 16th century until the mid-18th century. This would be succeeded by a further two Tabarka foundations: Carloforte (Sardinia) and Nueva Tabarca (Alicante).