SER Historia – Rehabilitación del Scriptorium de Albelda

Host: Nacho
Guests: Sergio Ochaga Vía (Alcalde de Albelda), María Buello (Concejala de Cultura)
Date: December 30, 2025

Overview

In this special broadcast from SER Historia, host Nacho explores the fascinating restoration and rediscovery of the Scriptorium of Albelda—a site of historical and cultural significance in La Rioja, Spain. Interviewing key figures behind the project, Nacho guides listeners through the journey of recognizing local historical heritage, the communal efforts to preserve it, and the hopeful future now facing the Scriptorium, once forgotten and now poised for a cultural revival.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Origins and Rediscovery of the Scriptorium Project

[00:50–01:55]

• Nacho introduces the setting: broadcasting from the newly restored Scriptorium of Albelda.
• Credits the project’s birth to the local historical association and the decisive support of local government.

Sergio Ochaga Vía describes how the project was first brought to his attention:

"Cuando vi el proyecto me quedé sorprendido, primero por el desconocimiento absoluto por mi parte, porque no sabíamos el tesoro que teníamos, lo desconocía en absoluto. Y luego me quedé tan maravillado que fue tocar puertas y puertas y puertas y gracias a eso estamos hoy aquí." (01:55)

2. Intergenerational Loss and Recovery of Local History

[02:37–03:57]

• Nacho and María reflect on how even locals, especially younger generations, were unaware of the Scriptorium’s history.
• María notes a lack of historical education and awareness about the Codex in local schools; resurgence came through the local history association’s advocacy.

"A nosotros... nunca nos han hablado de que teníamos un códice tan importante en nuestro municipio. [...] La gente está empezando a tener más interés por lo que es la verdadera historia de nuestro municipio. Al final tenemos que tener en cuenta que la historia de nuestro pueblo son nuestras raíces." – María Buello (03:04)

3. The Scriptorium: Historical Value & Cultural Identity

[03:57–05:25]

• Anticipation for the Scriptorium’s public opening in April 2026.
• Discussion of its dual historical role (scriptorium and possibly a storage/monastic space).
• Sergio expresses pride and emphasizes the Scriptorium’s importance beyond the local scale.

"Es una joya, no solo para Albelda, para La Rioja, para España entera... hay mucha historia para contar y esto es un orgullo." – Sergio Ochaga Vía (04:30)

4. The Monastery of San Martín and Its Legacies

[05:25–07:39]

• María recounts the near disappearance of tangible remnants of the original San Martín Monastery.
• Talk of current and future projects to identify and repurpose potential historic walls for tourist and educational purposes.
• A renewed sense of pride and the inspiration to communicate the importance of local history to children.

"En Albeldá lo que son resquicios históricos no tenemos prácticamente ninguno... intentar dar esa importancia a la historia de nuestro municipio y que todos los alvilenses se sientan orgullosos de la propia historia..." – María Buello (05:56)

5. Past Neglect and Changing Perspectives

[07:39–09:16]

• Nacho draws parallels to other monastic recoveries and the shifting local attitudes toward heritage sites.
• Sergio shares personal anecdotes of the Scriptorium being used informally in childhood, its value only now being realized.

"Es triste, pero es real. No sabíamos la joya que teníamos... se usó un poco para todo, para venir a hacer gamberro, para venir... a probar el vino con 10 o 12 años seguramente..." – Sergio Ochaga Vía (08:38)

6. Community Reception and Future Engagement

[09:16–11:35]

• María discusses the town’s evolving view, initial surprise, and the need for local residents to experience the transformation firsthand.
• Emphasizes the voluntary, passionate work of both the association and local government.

"Cuando realmente la gente venga y vea lo que tenemos... estoy totalmente convencida de que les va a encantar." – María Buello (09:30)

7. Unique Features and Geographic Context

[11:35–12:52]

• Nacho and Sergio talk about Albelda’s geographical uniqueness—its fertile valley setting and historical use of caves.
• These factors explain why such a monastic complex was established there.

"El enclave en el que estamos situados es privilegiado... facilitaba mucho la manera de vivir. Entonces es que el enclave es idóneo y privilegiado." – Sergio Ochaga Vía (12:01)

8. Future Plans and Priorities for the Scriptorium

[12:52–14:52]

• With the opening set for April 2026, María outlines immediate needs:
  • Improving access to the site.
  • Planning phased approaches for tourism and preservation.
  • Reiterates the intention to make the Scriptorium a valued part of the region’s tourist offering.

"Lo primero, lo que es importante son los accesos... Yo creo que hay que empezar despacio para poder llegar luego al fin adecuado. Como suelen decir, vísteme despacio que tengo prisa." – María Buello (13:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Discovery and Local Pride:
  "Hoy a la vista está de lo que hemos podido disfrutar... creemos que es una joya... hemos tenido la fortuna que ha tocado en Albelda." – Sergio Ochaga Vía (04:30)

• On Historic Detachment and Change:
  "Nunca se había molestado casi ni en mirar hacia arriba." – Nacho (07:39)
  "Se usó un poco para todo, para venir a hacer gamberro, para... probar el vino..." – Sergio Ochaga Vía (08:38)

• Community Involvement:
  "Gracias al trabajo de un grupo de personas, de forma desinteresada... por el amor hacia su pueblo..." – María Buello (09:30)

• Outlook for the Scriptorium:
  "Ideas tenemos muchas... el valle del Iregua... es una cosa más que yo creo que sí que merece la pena visitar." – María Buello (14:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment/Point | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Introduction & Background | 00:50–01:55 | | Rediscovery & Project Genesis | 01:55–03:04 | | The Codex & Generational Memory | 03:04–03:57 | | Importance of the Scriptorium | 03:57–05:25 | | San Martín Monastery & Ongoing Projects | 05:25–07:39 | | Past Neglect & Changing Attitudes | 07:39–09:16 | | Community Reception & Future Hopes | 09:16–11:35 | | Geographic Significance & Local Uniqueness | 11:35–12:52 | | Preparing for Public Opening—Next Steps | 12:52–14:52 | | Final Reflections & Invitation to Visit | 14:52–15:37 |

Summary

This episode of SER Historia is a celebration of local heritage rediscovered and reclaimed. Through honest and affectionate conversation, Nacho, Sergio Ochaga Vía, and María Buello highlight how the Scriptorium of Albelda—once forgotten, even by its own town—has become a source of pride and a rallying point for cultural revival. Their dialogue captures the intersection of history, community, memory, and the practical challenges of preservation, all with the shared conviction that “la historia de nuestro pueblo son nuestras raíces” – the history of our town is our roots. Albelda's journey is both a local story and a universal one about reconnecting with the past to build a richer shared future.