Within the scope of the European Year of Cultural Heritage, the Serra Henriques Foundation implements and solidifies a set of initiatives connected by the promotion of traditional architecture as a contribute to the economy, society and coherent development of the Portuguese territory. 

The prestige granted to our country's regional diversity constitutes a strong stimuli to the preservation of patrimonial values and an excellent opportunity for Portugal's social, cultural and economic progress. The various Portuguese regions possess an historical, cultural and architectonic heritage of undeniable value and growing international projection. It is this concern with the valorization and safeguard of these rich and diversified assets that should, therefore, play a major role in the domain of public policies at central and local levels.

The work developed by the Serra Henriques Foundation among scholars, government, local authorities, specialists and cultural institutions is a persistent process and one of supporting this nation-wide mission. As it happens with many initiatives, such as the implementation of the National Architecture and Landscape Policy, architecture awards, conferences and the promotion of good-practice, or the Portuguese representation of the Association of European Cities and Regions for Culture (LikeCulture.EU), in which the Foundation seeks to stimulate collaboration between municipalities, cultural entities and European institutions towards transnational cooperation.

The Iberian Traditional Architecture Prize

The Serra Henriques Foundation implemented the Rafael Manzano Traditional Architecture Prize in Portugal together with the International Network for Traditional Architecture and Urbanism (INTBAU) of the Prince of Wales Foundation and with the High Patronage of the President of the Portuguese Republic. This initiative is perceived as an important opportunity to appreciate our territory's cultural identity and specificities. With a monetary value of 50.000 euro, this award honours the work of those that contribute the most to the rehabilitation of monuments and urban ensembles of historic or artistic value, or new projects that use traditional materials, styles and crafts.

Iberian Network of Arts and Crafts of Traditional Architecture

Within the framework of the European Year of Cultural Heritage, the Foundation will implement in Portugal the Iberian Network of Arts and Crafts of Traditional Architecture, in collaboration with the International Network for Traditional Architecture and Urbanism (INTBAU), the College of Architectonic Heritage of the Portuguese Association of Architects, the Directorate-General of Cultural Patrimony, the Madeira and Azores Regional Directorates of Culture, and the Spanish Cultural Heritage Institute.