The archeological discoveries could be considered one of the historiographical resources of the monastery, as suggested yesterday by the President of the Region, Pedro Sanz, during his visit. The monastery of San Millán is indeed a box of surprises. Never before a work of this kind has been realized for the restoration and recovery of a place so emblematic.
The declaration of the monasteries as Patrimony of Humanity has been a decisive step to change the perspective of a land – La Rioja– with a name of a wine, which stands out in the world of culture, arts and in the building of the State through Science, research and language.
It is the people, not the politicians, who write history. According to Javier Garrido, director of the archeological excavation, “the discovery of the roman apse of the old church is very important, because, although we knew of its existence, hardly existed any bibliographical documentation and nobody where it was to be found.” The remains appeared in the right wing of the Church, together with the tombs superimposed on the ruins dating back to later centuries.
Institutions
The president of La Rioja, Pedro Sanz, requested a reconsideration for a complete excavation and public display of the said archeological discovery. Sanz has visited the site together with the president of Caja Madrid Foundation, Rafael Spottorno, and the prior of the monastery of the Augustinian Recollects, Juan Angel Nieto.
In November 2007, the San Millan de la Cogolla foundation and Caja Madrid Foundation, together with the Order of Augustinian Recollects, signed the commencement of project, with a target period of 36 months.