Andorra Hosts XIII APSAT Meeting on Dry Stone and Traditional Architecture

International Experts Gather in Andorra

The Principality of Andorra is hosting the XIII APSAT Meeting, an international conference focused on dry stone and traditional architecture, from November 14 to 16, 2025. This significant event will take place at two key venues: the Andorra la Vella Congress Centre and Cal Pal. The meeting aims to highlight the enduring importance of these traditional building techniques as a vital part of cultural heritage.

The conference serves as a dynamic platform for exploring the history, techniques, and future applications of dry stone construction, which has been integral to the agricultural and cultural landscape of the Pyrenees region for centuries.

Recognized Cultural Heritage

Dry stone architecture, characterized by structures built without mortar, received official recognition from UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2018, acknowledging its cultural, historical, and environmental significance. Andorra further solidified this recognition by formally incorporating it into its national framework in 2024.

These structures are not merely historical symbols but also represent sustainable solutions in modern construction, showcasing the region's ingenuity and resourcefulness. They are deeply linked to the area's agricultural and livestock heritage.

Collaborative Effort and Key Themes

The XIII APSAT Meeting is a collaborative initiative involving the Interreg POCTEFA Petra project, an initiative co-financed by the European Union. This project is dedicated to preserving and promoting the dry stone architectural heritage across the Pyrenees, encompassing Spain, France, and Andorra. Additional collaborators include the Association for Dry Stone and Traditional Architecture and the Government of Andorra.

The conference program is structured around three principal modules:

• Heritage Research: Focusing on the study, inventory, cataloging, landscape analysis, conservation, and vocabulary of traditional architecture and construction.
• Training and Knowledge Transfer: Emphasizing both formal and informal education as crucial instruments for ensuring best practices in traditional construction techniques.
• Traditional Architecture: Exploring the application of traditional techniques and materials in both new constructions and the restoration of historical structures.

Awards and Future Outlook

The event will bring together experts, craftsmen, and enthusiasts from across Europe to discuss preservation techniques and future applications. A highlight of the meeting will be the presentation of the V Dry Stone Award, an esteemed recognition for individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and innovation of dry stone architecture. The conference will conclude with a round table organized by the Guild of Dry Stone Wallers of Catalonia and the announcement of the venue for the XIV Meeting scheduled for 2027.