Owners of the medieval Ca l'Ardiaca palace in Tarragona are preparing to seal all entrances to the building after squatters recently occupied the property. The move follows an inspection by Desarrollos Arbe, the Zaragoza-based company that owns the historic site, to assess its structural condition and internal damage, according to the Diari de Tarragona.
The palace, dating back to the 13th century and located in Pla de la Seu near Tarragona Cathedral, has been subject to neglect, damp, pigeons, and rodents. Its status as a protected heritage site has done little to prevent its ongoing degradation. The recent occupation by squatters adds another layer of concern for the building, which has been earmarked for conversion into a luxury hotel for a quarter of a century.
Squatters Found Inside
During their inspection this week, company officials found evidence of the squatters' presence, who have since left the building. The owners plan to urgently board up all access points. Squatters had gained entry by forcing a door and creating a hole in a wall on the Plaça dels Cabrits facade, according to the Diari de Tarragona.
Neighbours in the Part Alta area first reported the squatters, prompting an intervention by the Guàrdia Urbana. Officers found a forced door and clear signs of occupation, including remnants of bonfires and makeshift sleeping areas. After an initial attempt to secure the entrance with a padlock and seal, the access point was re-opened through a new breach in the wall.
Tarragona City Council stated that Ca l'Ardiaca is a private building and its conservation and security are the responsibility of the owners. This recent visit by the property holders aims to address these issues, seal the building, and slow its deterioration while future plans for a hotel conversion are decided.
Decades of Delays
The project to transform the palace into a luxury hotel has faced delays for over 25 years, since the Archbishopric of Tarragona sold the former rectory in 2000. Various business attempts have failed due to archaeological discoveries, valuable Gothic paintings, and later, urban planning and legal issues. A court ruling even annulled the grouping of properties by the developer, determining that part of the complex was not theirs, which halted the hotel project.
Adding to these complications is the building's progressive deterioration. The City Council has had to intervene with emergency works, most recently in 2024, costing over €600,000 for leaks and structural damage. The property has also faced fines, reaching €2,000, for failing to maintain the building. The Catalan government has declined to exercise its right of first refusal to acquire the property, as there is no record of it being put up for sale.
