Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Spanish Supreme Court to Hear Final Appeal in Sijena Frescoes Dispute

Aragon expects a favorable ruling and is prepared to enforce the transfer of disputed artworks from Catalonia if necessary.

Overview

  • The Spanish Supreme Court's Civil Chamber No. 1 will hear a cassation appeal today regarding the ownership and relocation of the Sijena monastery frescoes.
  • The Government of Aragon anticipates the court will uphold previous rulings confirming its ownership of the frescoes, first decided in 2017 and reaffirmed in 2020.
  • If the ruling favors Aragon, Catalan institutions, including the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), will be expected to execute the transfer of the remaining artworks.
  • Aragonese officials have announced readiness to step in and oversee the relocation if Catalonia does not comply with the court's decision.
  • Since its partial reopening in March with one-third of the frescoes returned, the Sijena monastery has attracted approximately 2,500 visitors, highlighting public interest in the dispute.