The project was born as an initiative to strengthen the cultural and historical ties between Austria and Spain through the planting of Austrian trees in different Spanish cities and towns. This initiative, promoted by Friends of Austria (Freunde Österreich) and other collaborators, has had a significant impact since its first planting in 1974 in Vilanova i la Geltrú, later expanding to various regions such as Tarragona, Barcelona, ​​Montserrat, Lleida, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Terrassa and many other towns.

The project has been carried out thanks to the collaboration of different entities, embassies, local governments and cultural organizations, highlighting in particular the participation of Austrian diplomats, Spanish institutions and groups such as the Tuna of the E.T.P.I. of Vilanova i la Geltrú (1956-1961) and the 1961 Promotion.

One of the main objectives of this initiative has been to symbolize the friendship and cooperation between Austria and Spain, as well as to promote environmental awareness and the importance of preserving natural heritage. Each planting not only represents a gesture of brotherhood, but is also a living testimony to the shared history between both countries.

Tree planting

Vilanova i la Geltrú (1974) -> Trees from Mariazell, Burgenland, Salzburg, Tyrol, Vienna, among others, were planted on the occasion of the inauguration of Plaça Catalunya

Tarragona (1975) -> Planting documented in a specific separate sheet.

Benalmádena (1976) -> A tree from Salzburg was planted during the construction of a green space

Montserrat (1976) -> A tree from Mariazell was planted with the presence of the Austrian ambassador to Spain

Barcelona – Park Güell (1977) -> The Austrian Gardens were created within the park, in a space known as the “Austrian Corner”

Lleida (1978) -> Trees from the Montafon Valley, Mariazell and Klagenfurt were planted

San Lorenzo de El Escorial (1978) -> Trees from Vienna, Salzburg and Heiligenblut were planted in a garden called the “Austrian Garden”

Terrassa (1978) -> The Andersen Galdós school received and planted a Zwettel tree as recognition for its participation in a competition about Austria

Santa Coloma de Cervelló (1978) -> A Salzburg tree was planted in a new square of the city, thanks to the collaboration between the residents’ association and the Austrian consul

Capçanes (1980) -> During the inauguration of a monument to Pere Joan Barceló (“Carrasclet”), an Innsbruck tree donated by the Austrian city was planted

Visits

1979 – Visit of friends from Austria to Montreal -> An emotional event was held next to the Mariazell tree, with the participation of Austrian and local representatives

1979 – Visit of Ambassador Wolfgang Schallenberg to Montserrat -> The ambassador presented a commemorative plaque for the Mariazell tree

1980 – Visit of Dr. Leopold Gratz, Mayor of Vienna -> Traveled to Barcelona to participate in activities related to trees in Austria and strengthen ties between the two cities

1983 – Visit of Ambassador Gerhald Gmoser -> Attended several commemorative events related to tree plantings in Spain

1991 – Visit of Dr. Richard Wotava, Ambassador of Austria -> Visited Spain with a group of Austrian representatives to learn about the plantings carried out over the years

2000 – Celebration of the 40th anniversary of the trip of “La Tuna de la E.T.P.I. Vilanova i la Geltrú” -> A commemorative event was held with former members and collaborators of the project