Relive the XVI Palacio de Canedo Awards

Architecture with roots: when the past has a future

Since 2000, the Prada a Tope Foundation has been organizing some very special awards: they do not look for the new, but for the well-recovered.
These awards recognize the respectful rehabilitation of buildings, houses, wineries or traditional constructions of El Bierzo, valuing the commitment to the landscape, respect for the village environment, memory and traditional materials.

These awards celebrate those who understand that preserving is not freezing, but living in harmony with the environment and history.

In each edition, they highlight projects that bring life back to the rural and urban heritage of our region, that use stone, wood or slate with criteria, and that demonstrate that the future can also be built looking back.

These awards not only preserve architecture. They preserve identity.

More than 100 ways to honor heritage

Each year, the Bierzo Architectural Recovery Awards recognize those who have opted to rehabilitate rather than replace, to conserve rather than erase.

Last year's edition brought together diverse projects, from private homes to public buildings, all with a common element: a deep respect for the alm3a of each place. Here are some of the award-winning spaces, which have become examples of how architecture can also be a living memory.

If you want to know all the winners of the XVI Architecture Awards, discover them here.

Public recoveries - 1st prize Ayto. Corullón

Recovery of a building in the Poblado de la Piela, in the Peña del Seo, as a cultural and interpretation center.

Private recoveries - 1st prize
Peñalba de Santiago

Building on Debajo de la Fuente street, in stone, wood and slate with a very characteristic exterior hallway.

For your town - 1st Prize
San Pedro de Olleros

An initiative of the association O Pinguelo, a project that brings back to life a space full of history.

TO PARTICIPATE IS TO PRESERVE

Consult here the rules and regulations to submit your application.

Building permit

Issued by the City Council on or after January 1, 2021.

Work completed

The work must be completely finished (finished exterior).

Before and after pictures

Only the exterior is valued. You must include images of the building before and after the work.

Deadline: January 31, 2026

All nominations must be submitted by January 31 of this year.

Categories and Awards

Restoration of private individuals

For houses and buildings restored by private owners.

1st Prize: 2.500 €.
3 second prizes: 2.000 € each one
3 third prizes: 1.500 € each one.

Restoration by Town Halls or Neighborhood Councils

1st Prize: 3.500 €.
2nd Prize: 2.000 €.
3rd Prize: 1.000 €.

Modality "For your village".

For individuals or neighborhood associations that improve their environment with concrete actions and without public aid.
→ 8,500 € in prizes will be awarded in this category.

Special prizes

Two additional prizes of 1,500 € and 1,000 € at the discretion of the jury.

Each restoration tells a story.

Every stone recovered, every roof rebuilt, every corner that comes back to life... is a way to take care of the soul of Bierzo.

If you have been part of this effort -as an individual, city council, neighborhood council or neighborhood collective-, this is your moment to share it. We want to know your project and value your commitment.

Because restoring is not only building:
it is to keep alive the memory of a town.

You can attach your proposal by filling out this form or send your candidacy by mail or email to the following addresses:

Postal address:
Fundación Prada a Tope
Calle La Iglesia, s/n
24546 - Canedo, El Bierzo, León.
E-mail address:
fundacion@pradaatope.es

XVII Palacio de Canedo Awards