The rehabilitation works for Casilla number 8, located at the canal intersection in El Palau, began on February 3, 2026, with an estimated duration of four months. This action, budgeted at over 200,000 euros, is part of a larger three million euro plan aimed at recovering at least four of these old residences.
These "casillas" (guard houses) were home to hundreds of water guardians between the mid-19th century and the late 20th century, totaling up to seventy-four along the Urgell Canal. The Casilla in El Palau is unique because it was one of the last to be built and is elevated to prevent humidity, as explained by Maribel Pedrol, director of the Canals d’Urgell Foundation.
“"The next casilla to be restored will be the one in Agramunt, as part of the overall project for the recovery of hydraulic heritage."
Once the restoration is complete, Casilla number 8 will be ceded to the El Palau City Council and the Canal Viu platform, which will establish its headquarters there. This entity, through research by Santi Campo, has documented the lives of these families, such as the brothers Andreu and Enric Teixidó, who inhabited the dwelling in El Palau until around 1968.
