A Bien de Interés Cultural is a category of the Spanish heritage register.[1] This category dates from 1985 when it replaced the former heritage category of Monumento nacional (national monument) in order to extend protection to a wider range of cultural property. Monumentos are now identified as one of the sub-categories of Bien de Interés Cultural.
The term literally means "Property of Cultural Interest", although a better translation could be "Heritage of Cultural Interest", as Spain now protects not only material heritage, like monuments or movable works of art, but also intangible cultural heritage. An example of intangible cultural heritage which now enjoys protection is the Silbo Gomero language.[2]
Some bienes enjoy international protection as World Heritage Sites or Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
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Under the Spanish system regions maintain their own 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).[3] Madrid's regional government considers that bullfighting events should be protected as cultural heritage,[4] whereas there is a ban on bullfighting in Catalonia.