Refurbishment of Saint Atilano’s church

Spain

The church of San Atilano, located in the historic center of Tarazona (Zaragoza), is an 18th-century Baroque building consecrated in 1769. With a basilica floor plan and three naves separated by cruciform pillars, it stands out for its formal sobriety, spatial clarity, and the way natural light gently illuminates its interior. After decades of abandonment and various uses, the City Council of Tarazona decided to undertake the refurbishment of Saint Atilano’s church, transforming it into a versatile and flexible cultural venue capable of hosting exhibitions, concerts, and a wide range of public events.

IDOM approached the project with a respectful and contemporary intervention, guided by three fundamental principles. The first was to enhance the spatial qualities of the building, preserving its formal unity and luminous atmosphere. Only elements of limited architectural value were removed, allowing the original structure to regain its full prominence and expressive power.

The second focus of the intervention was addressing structural pathologies, particularly the moisture affecting walls and floors. Several layers of breathable lime mortar were applied to facilitate the evaporation of humidity and promote the drying of the masonry. Additionally, a natural ventilation system was introduced in the main nave, and a ventilated chamber was created between the original and new flooring, significantly improving the building’s hygrothermal performance and long-term durability.

Finally, the adaptation to its new use was resolved through a single architectural gesture: a wooden platform resting on the existing floor. This simple yet powerful element defines the new exhibition space without altering the perception of the original architecture. Its design allows for great flexibility, accommodating a variety of cultural activities and temporary installations.

The refurbishment of Saint Atilano’s church exemplifies how architecture can engage in a meaningful dialogue with heritage, offering functional and sustainable solutions while honoring the memory, identity, and historical value of the place.

Architecture : Design : Leisure & Culture

The proposal of adaptation to a new use, as a cultural space, is resolved with a single element: a wooden plan that rests on the existing pavement and configures the exhibition space

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