The Zaragoza Provincial Council has launched a competition for the restoration of the abbatial palace of Veruela, with a budget of €699,000 and a nine-month execution period. This project aims to revitalize the Renaissance building to transform it into a cultural and conference space, complementing the activities of the nearby parador.
A Renaissance architectural treasure
Completed around 1570, the abbatial palace of Veruela is a prominent example of Aragonese civil architecture from the Renaissance period. Located between the Wine Museum and the church, the building has undergone significant transformations since its construction, including an extension in 1734. Despite these changes, it retains distinctive architectural elements such as its austere brick façade, an interior courtyard with Ionic columns, and a cloister staircase featuring a star-shaped ribbed vault in the Gothic tradition.
Previous restorations and their impact
In recent decades, the Zaragoza Provincial Council has carried out various interventions in the structure of the palace, addressing issues related to foundations, walls, pillars, ceilings, and roofs. Problems concerning the consolidation of load-bearing walls caused by capillary moisture have been significantly resolved, restoring the northern and western façades. In 2020, several rooms on the first floor were renovated, and work was completed on gardens, restoration, and lighting of the walls, funded by more than €5 million in European Union funds.
Details of the new tender
The new phase of restoration includes the cleaning and restoration of the southern façade using techniques such as filling, patching, grouting, glazing, and silicon-based hydrophobic treatment. The adjoining gallery of arches will also be restored by reopening its openings and installing carpentry to allow full visibility from the exterior. Additionally, the areas adjacent to the southern façade will be cleaned and tidied, preserving their natural character.
The tender process, initiated on May 4, allows interested companies to submit their bids until May 25. The Provincial Council has organized a visit to the palace so potential bidders can get firsthand knowledge of the building’s condition. Simultaneously, other tenders for the procurement of furniture and kitchens for the project are also underway.
