Credits: Monastery of Santa María de La Vid

In November 2025, the European Heritage Days in Spain brought new life to the 12th-century Monastery of Santa María de La Vid, a landmark in the rural municipality of La Vid y Barrios in Burgos. Surrounded by the landscapes of the Ribera del Duero, the event explored how architectural heritage can strengthen identity, support sustainable development, and help communities respond to the challenges of “emptied Spain.

The programme connected the 2025 theme “Architectural Heritage: Windows to the Past, Doors to the Future” with the forthcoming 2026 theme “Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine”. Guided by the Prior, participants discovered the monastery’s church, cloister, library and guesthouse, learning how living heritage continues to shape daily life and hospitality in the region.

Throughout the two days, local residents, the monastic community, heritage specialists, public institutions and young professionals came together for open dialogues, round tables and guided visits. Their exchanges highlighted issues shared across many European rural areas — from depopulation and abandonment to the potential of heritage-led tourism, community identity and sustainable reuse.

Credits: Monastery of Santa María de La Vid

The event placed accessibility and participation at its heart: small group formats, conversations open to all ages, and contributions from diverse voices helped create an inclusive space for learning and reflection. The programme also incorporated elements appealing to younger audiences, such as traditional music workshops and insights into contemporary heritage challenges.

With strong institutional collaboration and meaningful community involvement, the initiative is already shaping plans for future editions. It offers a compelling example of how the European Heritage Days can energise rural regions, encourage dialogue and cooperation, and reaffirm heritage as a shared European resource.