The Parc Samà Historic Garden, located in Cambrils, has been distinguished among 47 candidacies from 15 European countries with the Bronze Award at the Acanthus Prize, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the landscape heritage sector. The award celebrates the project 'Samà Parc Historic Garden Promoting Sustainable Cultural Tourism', developed by DNA Turisme i Oci, which promotes the site's restoration, enhances biodiversity, and fosters a model of sustainable cultural tourism.
The award ceremony took place last night in Athens, as part of the IX European Forum on Historic Gardens. The recognition highlights the project's significance within a list of other emblematic European candidacies.
The award was received by the mayor of Cambrils, Oliver Klein, and the director of Parc Samà and CEO of DNA Turisme i Oci, Francisco Javier Castillo. Parc Samà, designed in the late 19th century by Josep Fontserè, has been implementing a heritage restoration and environmental conservation program since 2017, including the restoration of historical elements, biodiversity improvement, and the promotion of cultural and nature tourism activities.
Since its reopening to the public in 2017, Parc Samà has established itself as a tourist attraction on the Costa Daurada, reinforcing Cambrils' position as a destination linked to heritage and sustainability.
Oliver Klein emphasized that the recognition "places Cambrils on the European map of heritage conservation and demonstrates that protecting our historical legacy can become a tool for cultural, tourist, and economic development." Meanwhile, Francisco Javier Castillo highlighted the support for the team's work and stated that "the conservation of heritage, biodiversity, and sustainable tourism can go hand in hand, generating value for the territory."
The award coincided with the IX European Forum on Historic Gardens, where specialists discussed challenges such as water management, landscape heritage restoration, and biodiversity protection in the face of climate change.
The work carried out at Parc Samà aligns with the forum's priorities, positioning the historic garden of Cambrils as a benchmark for best practices in conservation and sustainability awareness in Europe.
