Aragón's historic palace-houses demolished after being de-listed
Hundreds of historic palace-houses in rural Aragón are being demolished after being de-listed as protected heritage, according to experts and associations. Architect Alberto Sánchez describes a pattern: noble families leave, then lesser nobility, then buyers, leaving buildings empty. Rural depopulation has caused a 45% increase in towns with under 100 residents over 20 years, despite the region gaining 200,000 inhabitants in 30 years. Local corporations show animosity and ignorance toward these centuries-old buildings, leading to their ruin declaration and demolition without restoration attempts. The case of two 17th-century Renaissance buildings demolished without restoration could be repeated in hundreds of similar properties.
Key facts
- Two 17th-century Renaissance buildings declared in ruin and demolished without restoration
- Architect Alberto Sánchez describes the sequence of abandonment
- Aragón gained 200,000 inhabitants in three decades
- Towns with under 100 residents grew by 45% in 20 years
- Local corporations show animosity and ignorance toward historic buildings
- Hundreds of palace-houses in rural Aragón are at risk
- De-listing of protected status precedes demolition
- No restoration was considered for the demolished buildings
Entities
Artists
- Alberto Sánchez
Locations
- Aragón
- Spain