The House of Vicente Aleixandre receives its deserved protection
After ten years of uninterrupted efforts, the house of Nobel laureate Vicente Aleixandre, known as Velintonia, has been officially declared a Cultural Heritage Site (BIC) by the Governing Council of the Community of Madrid. This recognition comes at a time when culture and historical heritage are valued more than ever, marking a significant milestone in the recent history of Spanish literary heritage.
The fight for the protection of Velintonia began in 2016, when the Friends Association of the poet submitted their request to the then regional president, Cristina Cifuentes. Despite initial support and a Non-Legislative Proposition presented by the PSOE, the path to this achievement was fraught with obstacles. The lack of consensus regarding the architectural and documentary value of the property had raised doubts that delayed its declaration for years.
Despite initial skepticism, fate changed when in 2022 the regional government acquired Velintonia for 3.1 million euros at a public auction. This purchase not only ensured that the property remained under public control but also laid the groundwork for it to become the future House of Poetry. The cultural and historical importance of the site was finally acknowledged with this new declaration.
The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sport, Mariano de Paco, has been one of the main advocates behind the process. In his recent statements, he emphasized that Velintonia is “fundamental for the development and dissemination” not only of the contemporary Spanish literary legacy but also for future creative generations.
Aside from the recognition as a BIC, another crucial aspect is the recovery and conservation of the poet's personal archive. This collection includes original manuscripts, correspondence, and other significant documents that have been under private custody. The Community is working alongside the City Council of Madrid to ensure their acquisition and restoration before being deposited in the Regional Archive.
As progress is made towards this goal, a promising future for Velintonia is in sight. The new centre dedicated to honouring the Generation of '27, which will celebrate its centenary in 2027, plans to offer a rich cultural programme with talks and exhibitions aimed at fostering both the study and contemporary literary creation.
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