200TH ANNIVERSARY CONGRESS

Juan Federico Muntadas y Jornet

Pioneer of tourism and heritage protection

To mark the bicentenary of the birth of Juan Federico Muntadas y Jornet (1826–2026), Monasterio de Piedra hosted, on 8, 9 and 10 April 2026, the congress entitled «Juan Federico Muntadas y Jornet: pionero del turismo y la protección del patrimonio» (“Juan Federico Muntadas y Jornet: Pioneer of Tourism and Heritage Protection”).

Over three days, the congress brought together specialists from a range of fields who, from an interdisciplinary perspective, examined the figure and legacy of Juan Federico Muntadas y Jornet, as well as the impact of his project in shaping Monasterio de Piedra into a leading cultural, scientific, artistic and tourist destination.

Over three days, the congress brought together specialists from a range of fields who, from an interdisciplinary perspective, examined the figure and legacy of Juan Federico Muntadas y Jornet, as well as the impact of his project in shaping Monasterio de Piedra into a leading cultural, scientific, artistic and tourist destination.

The papers and presentations addressed topics such as history, landscape and the historic garden, heritage protection, the arts, science, fish farming, the territory and the evolution of sustainable cultural tourism, highlighting the continued relevance and modernity of his thinking.

The final day, held on 10 April — his date of birth — served as a symbolic close to the gathering and as a commemoration of his 200th anniversary.

The proceedings of the congress will soon be published in the book «Juan Federico Muntadas y Jornet. Pionero del turismo y la protección del patrimonio» (“Juan Federico Muntadas y Jornet. Pioneer of Tourism and Heritage Protection”), which will bring together the main contributions and scientific conclusions of the participants. The publication will have the institutional support of the Institución Fernando el Católico, joining the volume published for the 2018 International Congress.