Art. 338. Property is of public or private ownership.

Art. 339. Property of public ownership is:

1. That destined to the public use, such as roads, canals, rivers, torrents, ports, and bridges constructed by the State, and banks, shores, roadsteads, and that of a similar character.

2. That belonging exclusively to the State without being for public use and which is destined to some public service, or to the development of the national wealth, such as walls, fortresses, and other works for the defense of the territory, and mines, until their concession has been granted.

Art. 340. All other property belonging to the State which has not the conditions stated in the preceding article is considered as private property.

Art. 341. Property of public ownership, when no longer devoted to general uses or to the requirements of the defense of the territory, shall become a part of the State property.

Art. 342. Property of the royal patrimony is governed by its special law, and in what is not provided for therein by the general provisions established by this code regarding private property.

Art. 343. The property of provinces and of towns is divided into property for public use and patrimonial property.

Art. 344. Property for public use in provinces and in towns comprises the provincial and town roads, the squares, streets, fountains, and public waters, the promenades, and public works of general service supported by the said towns or provinces.

All other property possessed by either is patrimonial, and shall be governed by the provisions of this code, unless otherwise prescribed in special laws.

Art. 345. Besides the patrimonial property of the State, or provinces, and of municipalities, that belonging to private parties, individually or collectively, is property of private ownership.