In Spain, the Bien de Interés Cultural category dates from 1985 when it replaced the former heritage category of Monumento nacional(national monument) to extend protection to a wider range of
cultural property. The category has been translated as "Cultural Interest Asset."[4]Monumentos are now identified as one of the sub-categories of Bien de Interés Cultural.
Sub-categories
The movable heritage designated as Bienes de Interés Cultural ("Cultural Interest Assets") includes archeological artfacts, archives and large works of art. Such protected objects may well be kept in a building which is itself a BIC.[5]
Non-movable heritage is divided into the following classifications:[4]
Under the Spanish system, regions maintain their registers of cultural heritage (see
Patrimonio histórico español). There have been some differences in approach between
autonomous communities.
An example is
bullfighting (which at a national level is now regulated by the Ministry of Culture).[7] Madrid's regional government considers that bullfighting events should be protected as cultural heritage.[8] In contrast, in Catalonia a
ban on bullfighting came into effect in 2012, although this was later overturned by the
Supreme Court.