The Badalona City Council has initiated the procedures to expropriate the monastery of Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, one of the great jewels of Catalan Gothic architecture, founded in 1416. The goal of the municipal government led by Xavier García Albiol is to integrate this historic site into the city's public heritage and turn it into a thematic and museum center dedicated to the "discovery" of America.The decision comes following news of an attempted purchase by a private company. Currently, this jewel of Catalan Gothic architecture is owned by the heirs of the Güell family. Approximately a year and a half ago, the Badalona City Council already held talks with the owners to try to reach an agreement that would allow for the acquisition of the monastery. "Those negotiations did not culminate in an agreement, but the municipal government has maintained since then the desire for this monumental complex to become part of Badalona's heritage. The appearance now of a firm buyer and the communication received by the City Council have led the municipal government to take a step forward and initiate the expropriation procedure," the council explains in a statement.