The Government of Aragon has completed Phase V of the restoration of the Roman villa of La Malena in Azuara, Zaragoza. With an investment of over one million euros, the project aims to make the archaeological site accessible, as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR).
Project Financing and Development
Phase V was financed by the Program for Improving Competitiveness and Promotion of Historical Heritage for Tourism Use of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, under Order ICT/1363/2022. Architects Javier Ibargüen and Sergio Sebastián drafted the project, which was awarded to Piedra Casbi S.L. in July 2025 for €986,150, including VAT.
The intervention was necessary following a flood in June of the previous year that inundated the site. The General Directorate of Culture and Cultural Heritage invested €360,789.96 to repair the damage, of which Piedra Casbi S.L. carried out €282,469.32 in emergency works.
Impact of the Flood and Project Adjustments
The flood forced modifications to the original project, increasing the budget by 20% to reach €1,183,243.02, including technical fees. Most of the water and sediments entered through the double exedra, a key architectural element of the villa, which led to its closure to protect the mosaics and structures.
The Program for Improving Competitiveness financed €991,958.00 of this amount, with justification due in June 2026.
Phase V Actions and Future Objectives
The works of Phase V, completed in May, included the protection and enclosure of the southern and southeastern areas of the site, the restoration of structures and mosaics, and the construction of a visitor reception building. This has improved accessibility and allowed for the organization of guided tours, enhancing the tourism value of this Cultural Heritage Asset.
Looking ahead, the Government of Aragon has requested funding for Phase VI, focused on the conservation of mosaics in several rooms, with a budget of €609,077.77. If approved, the Government will contribute 55% of the total, ensuring the continuation of the restoration of this historically significant Roman villa.
