- Rodríguez Osuna emphasizes that the 25th anniversary of the Institute of Archaeology is a very important national event
- The building, owned by the local council, received CSIC for 75 years to be the headquarters of this important institution
- Director of IAM, Pedro Mateos, also emphasized that «MI.The institute is consolidating within the scientific community and, thanks to the transfer from the Municipal Council, we will finally have a decent headquarters for a research center «
On April 2nd, the cornerstone will be laid for the comprehensive rehabilitation works of the Freylas convent, which will host the Institute of Archaeology in Mérida (IAM). «It is one of the most important institutions in this country and these works will serve to enhance it; along with the consortium of the monumental city and the National Museum of Roman Art, there are three archaeological institutions, among the best in the world,» says Mayor Antonio Rodríguez Osuna.
The mayor participated in the presentation of the 25th anniversary of IAM, along with the Minister of Education of the Extramination Council, Mercedes Vaquera, the President of Badajoz Diputacia, Miguel Ángel Gallardo, and IAM director Pedro Mateos.
In 2007, the local council bought the Freylas convent, under the mayorship of Angel Calle, and signed a transfer of this building for 75 years to the Higher Scientific Research Center; As a result of this, the Spanish Government will allocate €6 million to rehabilitate the property to become the IAM headquarters,» says Antonio Rodríguez Osuna.
«This 25th anniversary highlights its importance, as it is the only Archaeology Institute that the Spanish Government has in the entire country,» adds the mayor, emphasizing that «it leads archaeological research not only in Extremadura, or Spain, but internationally, hence the director’s acknowledgment» in the name of this year.»
On his part, IAM director Pedro Mateos emphasized that «the institute is established within the scientific community, is a point of reference, but we must work to make these activities better known to the public» and that «thanks to the transfer from the Municipal Council, we will finally have a suitable headquarters for a research center, with all necessary services.»
«The center has a clear and obvious goal, which is to promote archaeological research in Extremadura and from Extremadura to the rest of the peninsula and internationally. Over these 25 years, we have carried out our research in Extremadura, in very emblematic places, such as the Turuuue website.»
«We have also worked hand in hand with the monumental consortium of the city of Mérida Oasis.»
For this 25th anniversary, there will be a series of discussions, exhibitions, concerts, citizen participation activities, as means of disseminating research and various activities aimed at the general public. Additionally, there will be a presentation of IAM at the student residence in Madrid and at the Spanish School of Archaeology in Rome.
Freylas Convent Rehabilitation
The historic building located near the Basilica in Santa Eulalia was the host of the former convent of the Holy Commanders of Freylas in the Order of Santiago. It consists of three courtyards, stables, and several buildings, occupying an area of 1,732 square meters.
The rehabilitation project aims to adapt Freylas to the headquarters of the Institute of Archaeology in Mérida (IAM). To achieve this, it will be necessary to carry out rehabilitation and restoration interventions in the existing building, as well as new construction interventions, taking advantage of the southern part of the plot.
The idea that underpins the proposal, according to the design by renowned architect Rubén Cabecera, explains the idiosyncrasy of the monument in its historical context.
The vaults and facades reflect the reality of the monument contextualized in its history. We wanted to recover both concepts to highlight the proposal that draws from these sources and generate the necessary spaces for the restoration, rehabilitation, and new constructions of the Institute’s headquarters, as well as to organize the external square that offers a general view of the basilica and the monastery.
It will be used due to the agreement signed between the Local Council of Mérida and the Higher Scientific Research Council (CSIC). Therefore, CSIC will be responsible for the ambitious renovation of the building and its subsequent use as the headquarters of the Institute of Archaeology in Mérida.
The emeritus council, the owner of the monastery since 2007, thus manages the lengthy refurbishment and opening of one of the city’s most emblematic buildings, which remained empty and without content. However, as stipulated in the agreement, it is a temporary assignment and use, as all municipal assets are regulated, it must be used for public utility or social interest always for the benefit of local public interests. In summary, for Mérida, it implies the fulfillment of a historical longing, not only with its purchase but also with the guarantee of the building’s refurbishment and use.
Antonio Rodríguez Osuna and Pedro Mateos: