La memoria en ruinas podcast explores Spain's threatened heritage

The Spanish podcast series 'La memoria en ruinas', directed by José María Sadia and Izaskun Pérez with script and production by Andrea Morán, investigates the deterioration of historic buildings across Spain. Over 10 episodes, it combines investigative journalism, sound documentary, and travelogue to highlight thousands of churches, monasteries, palaces, castles, hermitages, towers, and archaeological sites at risk due to institutional indifference, depopulation, and lack of resources. The project features interviews with archaeologists, architects, art historians, and conservators, as well as local residents witnessing the decay of buildings tied to their childhood and community identity. Produced by elDiario.es, the series emphasizes a human-centered approach over a monumental one, linking heritage loss to broader social and territorial issues. Sound design by Yes We Cast uses ambient sounds like wind, footsteps, and echoes to create an immersive experience. The production involved over 4,800 kilometers traveled and 28 interviews across 10 provinces. The podcast also raises civic questions about collective responsibility, the role of administrations, and the memory lost when a building collapses.