The public tender notice for the extension of the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque and the urban regeneration of its surroundings, in Lousada, was published in the Official Gazette, last Monday, 7 September.

This project, promoted by the Association of Municipalities of the Sousa Valley (the entity that manages the Route of the Romanesque) and the Municipality of Lousada, aims to build new interior and exterior facilities intended to accommodate the collection and cultural activities of the Route of the Romanesque.

The site chosen for the extension is a block to the north of the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque, in a new part of the town centre of Lousada (the 'Romanesque Square'), which will communicate and be physically connected to the existing building.

The project envisages the creation of a container inside the block, camouflaged by a green layer and surrounded by winding stairs and ramps, creating a playful route between the two levels of the plot of land. The upper level will include several living and leisure spaces, while the lower level, on the only visible side of the construction, will have a small square onto which the building of the Interpretation Centre will open.

The interior space will include several storage and support areas arranged around the central nave, from which we highlight an area for cultural events and an area for archiving/exhibiting pieces from the Route of the Romanesque collection, which will offer guided tours.

The execution deadline for the tender is 540 days and the base value (excluding VAT) is 3.2 million euros, co-financed by European funds (Norte 2020) and by the Municipality of Lousada (approximately 50% each). Proposals should be submitted within the next 30 days.