Spain has once again positioned itself on the European map of heritage excellence with five projects awarded at the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2026, considered the most prestigious in the sector on the continent. The European Commission and Europa Nostra announced the winners of this edition, which recognized a total of 30 initiatives from 18 countries, selected from 261 applications from 40 European countries.

In the Conservation and Adaptive Reuse category, the recovery of the dome of the Church of Escuelas Pías in Valencia has been recognized. This intervention has allowed for the stabilization and restoration of this 18th-century architectural element. Also awarded was the rehabilitation of the Salinas de La Concepción in Menorca, which has brought back to activity a historical landscape linked to traditional salt production.

In the field of Research, the FENIX project, developed in Seville, has been distinguished for its application of artificial intelligence and new technologies to improve the prevention and management of fires and natural disasters in cultural assets. Furthermore, the HIMASS International Summer School on Traditional Architecture, promoted between Italy and Spain, has been awarded in the Education, Training, and Skills category for its training approach based on the practical study of historical buildings and the connection between traditional techniques and modern structural analysis.

The Spanish representation is completed by the Factum Foundation for Digital Technology in Preservation, based in Madrid, recognized as a Heritage Champion. Their work in the digitization of cultural works and spaces using high-resolution technologies facilitates their conservation and access. The awardees will be honored on May 28 at the Municipal Theater of Nicosia, in Cyprus, during the official awards ceremony, one of the central events of the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026.