The restoration of the Puerta de Alcalá and the inclusion of Casa Batlló win two Europa Nostra Awards 2025.

The restoration of the Puerta de Alcalá and Casa Batlló 's initiative to promote inclusiveness in cultural heritage have been recognized with the 2025 Europa Nostra Awards , along with the pan-European Islamic heritage research project ' IS-LE: Islamic Legacy' , coordinated from Spain.

The European Commission and the Europa Nostra association announced today the winners of the European Heritage Awards, Europe's most prestigious awards. The awards went to 30 outstanding projects from 24 countries across the continent. Among them were three important Spanish initiatives.

The Puerta de Alcalá has been awarded in the category of conservation and adaptation to new uses for combining traditional craftsmanship and scientific analysis in a large-scale public restoration project that has set "new standards of transparency, research, and citizen participation," according to Europa Nostra. "It exemplified the integration of modern scientific methods with traditional craftsmanship," commented the Awards jury, who also praised the fact that "the works enjoyed extensive public participation, which included guided tours of the scaffolding, multimedia activities, and on-site interpretation."

Begun in 2022 and fully funded by Madrid City Council, this comprehensive restoration was the most ambitious to date of this Madrid heritage symbol, part of the Landscape of Light, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 100 specialists, including conservators, engineers, blacksmiths, stonemasons, and sculptors, collaborated to analyze and restore this monument erected between 1769 and 1779 by architect Francesco Sabatini for King Charles III.

3D laser scanning, structural modeling, ultrasonic testing, and laboratory materials analysis detected vulnerabilities in the masonry and internal metalwork and guided each intervention. The granite and limestone surfaces were cleaned, stabilized, and consolidated. Sculptural elements were secured with new wrought iron or brass fixings where necessary, preserving historic hardware. Missing details were carved from natural stone from the original quarries using traditional tools, lime mortar grouting, and hand-carving techniques that followed 18th-century construction methods. "Wherever possible, original elements were retained; replacements were introduced only when strictly necessary and carefully harmonized with the existing materials," Europa Nostra notes.

To protect the monument, a preventive conservation system was implemented with environmental sensors that monitor vibration, humidity, and structural behavior. As an ecological measure, trained birds of prey were used to scare away pigeons, thus avoiding the use of invasive devices.

The project also included extensive outreach efforts, with a website documenting the work and more than 12,000 participants in the "Open to Restoration" guided tours, which allowed them to climb the scaffolding for a close-up view of the monument. A technical workshop was also held to share results and methodologies.

This large-scale public restoration also resulted in the first complete digital record of the interior and structure of the Puerta de Alcalá, a long-term conservation and research resource that "serves as a reference for similar projects throughout Europe," according to Europa Nostra.

In the research category, the IS-LE: Islamic Legacy research project was recognized. It is coordinated by Spain and involves more than 80 institutional partners from 40 countries. This initiative has reframed the study of Islamic heritage in Europe and the Mediterranean and, through collaborative research, training, and open resources, has connected fragmented research traditions and fostered new narratives for academics, policymakers, and the public at large.

Casa Batlló was recognized in the "Citizen Participation and Awareness" category for its pioneering employment model, which "sets a precedent for inclusive practices in the heritage sector." A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the center of Barcelona, ​​Casa Batlló has integrated 100 neurodivergent individuals—including individuals on the autism spectrum and others with cognitive differences—into customer service roles alongside neurotypical staff.

The initiative was developed in collaboration with Specialisterne, an organization that supports the employment of neurodivergent individuals. Together, they designed a multi-phase process based on research, adaptation, and professional guidance. This included the recruitment, training, and support of neurodivergent individuals, who are now part of the museum's customer service team.

The winners of the 2025 Europa Nostra Awards were selected by a jury of 11 heritage experts from across Europe, following evaluation by selection committees. A total of 251 eligible nominations for this year's awards were submitted by organizations and individuals from 41 European countries.

Cecilia Bartoli, world-renowned mezzo-soprano and President of Europa Nostra, warmly congratulated the winners. “These inspiring initiatives demonstrate how cultural heritage can be a powerful force for positive change in Europe, strengthening communities, supporting well-being, nurturing creativity, and contributing to economic resilience. Cultural heritage connects people across generations and borders. It brings the citizens of Europe closer together, united in our rich diversity. It brings beauty and meaning to our everyday lives, and shows how it can help shape a more sustainable and inclusive future,” she said.

The winners will be honored at the 2025 European Heritage Awards Ceremony on October 13 at Flagey, an iconic Art Deco building, in Brussels, Belgium. The ceremony will be part of the 2025 European Heritage Summit, taking place from October 12 to 14 in Brussels.