The restoration of the Puerta de Alcalá has been distinguished with the European Heritage Award/Europa Nostra Award 2025, the highest European recognition in the field of cultural heritage. The announcement was made today by the European Commission and Europa Nostra, within the framework of awards supported by the Creative Europe program of the European Union, aimed at promoting and showcasing the diversity and excellence of European heritage.
The Madrid project is among the 30 winners selected from 251 applications from 41 European countries. This edition of the awards has recognized projects such as the City Hall of Antwerp (Belgium), the Peniche Fortress (Portugal), and the former Municipal Museum of Nicosia (Cyprus).
The Puerta de Alcalá has been recognized for its ambitious restoration, which combined «the integration of modern scientific methods with traditional restoration techniques,» as highlighted by the jury. Initiated in 2022 by the Madrid City Council, the intervention has been valued as «a new European reference in terms of transparency, research, and citizen engagement.» Additionally, the jury has emphasized that more than 12,000 people participated in the ‘Open for Restoration’ program, which allowed them to climb the scaffolding and closely observe the conservation process.
The intervention respected the historical and material values of the monument. It involved over a hundred specialists—restorers, architects, engineers, historians, stonemasons, blacksmiths, and sculptors—who applied traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology: from 3D laser scanners, structural modeling, and ultrasonic analysis, to laboratory studies to understand the state of the original materials.
The restoration work, which primarily affected the roof, walls, and sculptural groups of the monument, involved processes such as cleaning, consolidation, fixing, etc. All techniques were adapted to the construction methods of the 18th century, using manual tools and lime mortars while respecting the monument’s integrity. As preventive conservation measures, environmental sensors were installed to monitor vibration, humidity, and structural behavior. Additionally, an ecological system was chosen for controlling biodeterioration through deterrent flights of birds of prey, avoiding invasive devices.
To present the conservation and restoration project of the Puerta de Alcalá, a monograph edited by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Urban Landscape, in collaboration with the technical team responsible for the intervention, will be presented at the Palacio de Cibeles on June 18th at 6:00 PM. Admission is free, with registration required on the website reservaspatrimonio.es
The Puerta de Alcalá is also competing for a second award: the 2025 Public Prize. Voting is open from today until September 12 on the Europa Nostra website. /
