abertis was today awarded the first Honos prize by the Catalan Institute for Classical Archaeology (ICAC). With this prize, the ICAC recognises abertis‘ policy of safeguarding the protection of archaeological heritage, fostering on-site research and excavations, promoting studies and collaborating with university and research institutions.

abertis‘ Institutional Relations Corporate Director and Director of the abertis foundation, Sergi Loughney, accepted the award at a solemn event held as part of the International Symposium entitled "L’Ager Tarraconensis. Paisatge, poblament, cultura material i història", which is taking place in Tarragona today and tomorrow.

The Symposium will include the presentation of the Ager Tarraconensis project, focused on the study of archaeological landscape from the Iberian and Roman period in 16 towns to the right of the River Francolí. abertis autopistas is promoting this study in collaboration with the Institute of Catalan Studies, the ICAC, Rovira i Virgili University, the Tarragona City Council, the Regional Councils of Tarragonès, Baix Camp and Alt Camp and 16 towns in these regions.

The newly-created Honos prize is awarded by the ICAC, a public research centre set up by the Catalan Government and Rovira i Virgili University aimed at the study and dissemination of classical cultures. Its aim is to recognise people or institutions that do not have any professional links to or responsibility for archaeology, and honour them for their positive attitude towards classical Catalan archaeology. The purpose of the award is to honour and promote sponsorship work, selfless support, patronage and business collaboration.

The dissemination of archaeological heritage is an example of the commitment undertaken by abertis to promote cultural accessibility and collaborate in the restoration of cultural heritage, in order to revive potentially attractive tourism assets whilst at the same time offering teaching centres tools which make a contribution to teaching and respect for heritage among young people.

The abertis Group and its various business units are committed to the preservation of cultural heritage as an example of sustainability and an essential resource for the development of people, communities and the territory.

Main contributions by Abertis in the field of archaeological heritage

–Conservation of the El Médol Roman quarry. abertis safeguards the conservation of the El Médol site, a Roman quarry which forms part of Tarragona’s Historic Heritage and has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

–Castellet castle. Located in Castellet i la Gornal (Alt Penedès), the castle is the current headquarters of the abertis foundation. With Iberian and Roman origins, the Group restored it so that it could be put to new uses. It now hosts scientific conferences, working sessions, corporate meetings, community activities and guided tours.

–The "A castle on the road" exhibition. Set up at Castellet castle, the abertis foundation has organised this permanent exhibition which offers a pedagogical explanation of the route of the Via Augusta through Catalonia.

–The Ager Tarraconensis project. abertis autopistas promotes this study, which has taken the form of a series of thematic and chronological maps, as well as various studies on different aspects of the landscape, population and dynamic history of ancient Tarraco.

–Burriac castle. In the area around the C-32 toll road, the excavation, consolidation and adaptation for public visits of Burriac Castle was carried out, in Cabrera de Mar (Maresme).

–Morer Roman villa. abertis collaborated in the excavation of the Morer Roman site, situated in Sant Pol de Mar (Maresme).

–Excavation of the Torrassa del Moro tower. abertis promoted the excavation of the Torrassa del Moro tower, in Llinars del Vallès, one of the best preserved examples of a watchtower from the Roman period.

–The  cella vinaria  and Romanisation interpretation centre in Teià. abertis autopistas sponsors the project for the study and reconstruction of the site of the Veral de Vallmora  cella vinaria in Teià (Maresme), a wine production space from the Roman period.

–Horta Ferrerons Roman villa. abertis autopistas has financed part of the latest phase of excavations on the site of this villa from the late Roman period situated in Premià de Mar (Maresme).

–Ca n’Oliver Iberian settlement. abertis collaborated in the excavation of this Iberian settlement situated in Cerdanyola del Vallès.

–"Archaeological sites around the Catalan toll roads". The abertis foundation has promoted this publication, which compiles information on the 58 archaeological sites around the AP-7, AP-2, C-32 and B-20 toll roads.

The Abertis Foundation

abertis has the abertis foundation, the main aim of which is to study the repercussion of infrastructures on the territory, particularly in relation to the environment, demography and the economy.
The Foundation, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2009, promotes research carried out by universities and other institutions and organisations, undertakes conferences and symposiums, organises social and cultural activities, and publishes important scientific books. It also runs a Road Safety Programme.